Canada - medical care

[sparks19]

Great post Catty1

Most people just look at the word "free" and hop on the bandwagon.... but they don't really think of the implications that come with "free" or as I like to call it "pre paid" health care.

You are completely at the mercy of the government.

My grandmother is 85 and has been waiting for about 2 years for a hip replacement. Every day is agony for her.... but is she any closer to a hip replacement than she was 2 years ago? Not really. She is starting to feel like they are just trying to "wait her out" in other words she feels like they are hoping she will just die off before they have to do the replacement.... and no one should have to feel like that

My brother is 40.... he has had 3 knee surgeries.... one total reconstructive. Nothing has worked. They have already told him he needs a total knee replacement but he cannot have one until he is over 50. For now he just has to have surgery after surgery.... he is currently waiting for his next one and he has NO idea when that might be .... he is waiting for them to schedule it STILL and has been waiting for some time.

He has also been quite sick. Since December he has had trouble keeping food down. Are they any closer to figuring out what is wrong? No they aren't.

IN london Ontario you cannot GET a family practitioner. If you haven't had a family Dr for the past ten years you aren't going to get one. Not ONE is taking new patients. Waits in emergency rooms are upwards of 12 + hours depending where you go.

There needs to be some sort of middle ground. But don't be mislead by that appetizing word "FREE" You know what they say.... nothing in life is free.

[Catty1]

Sparks - I had to do some digging - but I found out a couple of things thru the last several years.

Smaller centres with surgical units often have MUCH shorter waiting lists. North Bay, Timmins, the Sault (if you are in ON).

I did an internet search on provincial hospital wait lists...if you phrase the search right, you can find the list.

Also, re: your grandmother - a friend of mine's elderly dad waited TWO YEARS for knee surgery. Finally, his son (my friend) had had it, and PHONED. Apparently his dad had the option to be on a "critical" list or something. My friend got his dad on it, and 3 months later he had it done.

It's one of those 'they-don't-tell-you' things. I'd call the prov health registry and ask....ALSO CALL YOUR MLA. The staff in those offices are connected to EVERYTHING.

"Free" means you can bug us via our toll-free number!

[Marigold2]

Sorry as an American I must say the Candian health care system is one million times better. We have people here who have to decide everyday food or meds.

I had to have laser eye surgery. Took five minutes, cost $2000.00. I have to have the other eye done as well.

We pay $150.00 a month for our insurance, no dental, no vision. I have a $50.00 co-pay everytime I want to see a specialist and a $500.00 deductable per person. Horrible insurance. Meds cost a fortune as well. My pills for the gluacoma were $50.00 a month.

You in Canada might have to wait a bit but you won't loose your home and or life savings to keep your child or spouse alive.