Just Learn to Live With COVID?

As greater emphasis is being placed on “getting on with life” or at the very least “learning to live with COVID-19” people who are immunocompromised, disabled or have medical issues that put them or those they care for at risk are being isolated, alienated, ostracized and ignored by much of society. In an article entitled, “Those who are Disabled and Immunocompromised need to be supported, not ignored,” Eva Williams describes this new reality. According to her, “The way that vulnerable people are currently being treated is nothing short of barbaric.” Click here to read Williams’ article.

Speaking Out

Here is a Twitter thread that expresses what many people are feeling.

Did You Miss This Article?

If you have not read Dr. Gabriel Fabreau’s opinion piece found in the June 4, 2022, Calgary Herald, you will want to do so. Among other things, Dr. Fabreau provides an honest view of what it is like in Alberta hospitals. According to him, “After two years of COVID-19, our hospitals have never been worse off.”

Take a few minutes to read this important article. It will be time well spent.

Alberta – Rally for Public Health Care!

(Alberta Federation of Labour, 2022)

Saturday, May 14th will see Albertans rallying for public health in the province. Here is where and when the rallys will be taking place.

Edmonton
Where: Alberta Legislature, 10800 97 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB
When: Saturday, May 14, 2022, 1:00 p.m.

Calgary
Where: South Health Campus – U of C Hospital, Seton Hall off of Front Street, south side main entrance, 4448 Front Street SE Calgary, AB
When: Saturday, May 14, 2022, 1:00 p.m.

Red Deer
Where: City Hall, 4914 48 Ave, Red Deer, AB
When: Saturday, May 14, 2022, 1:00 p.m.

Lethbridge
Where: City Hall, 910 4 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB
When: Saturday, May 14, 2022, 12:00 p.m. (Noon)

Medicine Hat
Where: Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, 5th Street Side, 666 5 St SW, Medicine Hat, AB
When: Saturday, May 14, 2022, 11:00 a.m.

What have we learned?

Over the past two years, what lessons have we learned from and about COVID?

Help to Define Patient Safety

What is Patient Safety?

What does “patient safety” mean?

The University Health Network Open Lab team is working closely with the safety team at Healthcare Excellence Canada on their Defining Safety project. The goal of this project is to understand perspectives on the definition and future of patient safety from patients, caregivers, professionals, and leaders across Canada.

As a means of obtaining insights and ideas from Canadians, a ‘thought exchange’ about patient safety has been created. This exchange is a completely anonymous platform that provides space for participants to describe what they think the salient features are that should be included in a definition of patient safety.

If you live in Canada and want to join in the conversation on patient safety, click here.

Systemic racism and healthcare?

“Ni cta ni akohikon – That hurts me
Carol pe ntamici – Carol, come see me
Ni taci sa micta mackikikatakoiin – They are overdosing me on drugs
Wipatc tca – Do it quickly

Those were the chilling words of Joyce Echaquan, broadcasting live from Facebook on September 28, 2020 at 10:27 am (English translation provided).” Click here to read the full article.

“Voice of an Angel”

“Amanda Visconti tunes her acoustic guitar and warms up her vocals, as the 25-year-old singer-songwriter prepares for her audience at Miami Cancer Institute, as a member of the Art in Medicine program.” Click here to read the full article.