We are all the same
I just finished reading the book 'We are all the same' by Jim Wooten. It's a phenomenal story about the AIDS crisis in Africa, and how one little boy changed the face of AIDS over there. Since my main nursing interest is in HIV/AIDS, I am always seeking out ways to broaden my knowledge of how the illness affects people around the world. This book not only presented a touching and heart felt story, but it also gave a historical perspective of the evolution of AIDS in Africa. It really opened my eyes (again!).
I highly recommend that you give this book a read if possible. It's not huge, and it's an easy read. I finished it over the course of 3 nights.
Any suggestions on good books to read?!
Shannon
My reply
Dear Mr. Harper,
It has come to my attention that your party is advocating for privately owned health services in our country. Perhaps you see some greater value in implementing such a health care system, but I believe you are ultimately blinding yourself and your party from reality once again. I am more than happy to resituate you in the realm that most Canadians live in.
Although I am sure that your cheque book easily accommodates a few trips to the doctors for minor aches and pains, this is not the reality for all Canadians. Now, imagine if you will, that your life was very different from the one you have. Perhaps you are a mother with 5 small children, and you have to work 2 or 3 jobs just to put enough food on the table to feed your children, never mind you. Children, by nature, are sick often, and the stress of a mother caring for these children will undoubtedly result in signs and symptoms of burnout. So, Mr. Harper… what do you do for people like that? Are you going to personally go to their house and write them a cheque for food and for health care, or are they left to fend for themselves once again. Now let’s imagine another realistic scenario, say you are a young man or woman who has just been diagnosed with HIV, and the doctor suggests several different anti-retroviral medication cocktails for you to take, which will ultimately increase you chances of survival and improve your quality of life for the next 15-20 years. Now, the problem is that one of the medications that you have to take 3x/day costs about $50 per pill. That’s $150/day, $1050/week, and $54,600 per year. Most people, believe it or not, do not even make $40 000/year. So, how do you propose we deal with such situations?!
Perhaps you need to reconsider your strategies. By denying health care to the people who can’t afford it, you are creating bigger problems than you might be able to imagine. It is tremendously unfair for you to decide that it is fine and well to deny people health care services, but you’re not the nurse or the doctor who has to turn people (who are seriously ill) away because of lack of cash. It’s a well-known fact that those with low-socioeconomic statuses have poor health, so your plan will only allow the wealthier to be healthier, and the poor to become more ill and more disadvantaged.
I strongly advise you to seek the advice of front-line health care staff from across the country (not the administrators who have no front-line experience), and the people of this country (regardless of their socioeconomic status, gender, culture, etc). Perhaps you would see life and health care a little differently in the eyes of Canadians.
Thank you,
Shannon Quinn, RN
Please read
From: Tanya Santo Reply-To: tsanto@rnao.org Subject: RNAO: Conservative Party Pushing for Balance Between Public and Private Health Service Delivery Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 16:12:59 -0400
To all RNAO members for your information TO: CNA Board of Directors Advisors to the Board Conservative Party Pushing for Balance Between Public and Private Health Service Delivery (Ci-dessous la version française) In a letter to Stephen Harper, the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) expressed concern about one of the resolutions passed at the recent policy convention of the Conservative Party of Canada. The resolution reads: “Flexibility for the provinces in the implementation of health services should include a balance of public and private delivery options. This approach would ensure that health services remain publicly funded, while services are provided through the most appropriate public or private provider based on quality and cost.” CNA raised with Mr. Harper that promoting the use of privately owned health services will worsen the state of health care in Canada. CNA supported its concern with research showing that reliance on these services creates inequality in access based on both income and geography. Furthermore, a review of research shows that publicly funded health providers have lower administrative costs than private providers. Moreover, public providers ensure that all people, including vulnerable populations, have equitable access to quality services, while private providers are selective in the clients they treat. Experience in other countries shows that private health systems do not offer the breadth of services available from publicly funded systems. Some suggest that allowing more private providers will enhance access for Canadians. However, privately owned health services draw staff from the existing health human resource pool. With the current shortage of health professionals, the creation of more private offerings will actually mean fewer human resources for the publicly funded services and health system. If this issue is of importance to you, communicate with Stephen Harper at harper.s@parl.gc.ca or Stephen Fletcher (Conservative health critic) at fletcher.s@parl.gc.ca. Please share this bulletin with family, colleagues and friends.
A Week Off!
Tomorrow marks the start of a school-free week, meaning no more class, no more proposals, and no more hours of staring glossy-eyed at the computer. I do, however, have to be at school for 8am tomorrow, as the second-year class that I TA for is writing their final exam. It's all good though, since I also have to hand-in my proposal, pay our frisbee fees, and pick-up something for Michelle from the GTA office.
Today I was in Fergus, meeting with some fellow wedding party attendants for my cousin's wedding. We are planning the stag & doe for June 13th in Elora. I'd never met the majority (all but one) of these people, so I didn't know quite what to expect. They all seem really nice though, and they are making jell-o shooters for the party, so I'm good with that!
Thursday afternoons are now declared 'Thursday Drinking Sessions'! My fellow MScN crew and I have decided to meet every thursday at 1pm for some drinks and to toss around the frisbee. Since our classes have now ended, we won't have the joy of seeing each other in class every week, so this little event lets us catch up and drink... perfect combo!
Alright... time for bed now!
Catch ya later.
One down, One to go
Well, after much stress and hard work, I'm proud to announce that my first proposal has been handed in. It is also my thesis proposal, so it's exciting and terrifying to anticipate getting it back. I anticipate pages upon pages of red ink that indicate need for changes, but it's all good as long as I keep my average in the A range.
Now, two more days of hell, and I'll be finished my less than perfect quantitative proposal. I'm thinking of having a bonfire with it and Pedhazur in the near future.
2 more days and I'm half way to being a Master! hahah... that's frightening.
Discography
Our official Ultimate Team name is Discography. I had to make one up on the spot, so it's the best I could do. I'm looking forward to the season starting. Hopefully Jenn's arm heals in time to play!
My blog has been a little lacking in the info due to my life in proposal hell. Two 20pg proposals due this week... that calls for a stiff drink.
What else... tomorrow is the day to start up running again. I thought I'd take it slowly and build up my endurance, and my ankle power.... 12 years of skating and a tobaggoning accident resulting in a fracture have pretty much weakened it. It doesn't help that I'm glued to a computer screen working on school work most of the day too.
That's about it.
Ultimate Frisbee in London
Today I checked out the Western Sports webpage, and saw that the sign-up for Ultimate Frisbee is now available. The season starts on May 24th, with games going on on Sundays and Mondays. I'm hoping my skills continue to improve. I did manage to get a point for our team last season... oh dear!
