Stories

Not really “my” story, but an observation of those impacted. My office provides and fits artificial limbs to those who experience limb loss. This requires a lot of office and hospital rehab visits to fine-tune the fit of the prosthesis initially, and later to replace or repair the prosthesis. In other words, amputees are best served by prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation services close to home. In past years, amputees from the Chemainus to Cobble Hill region were referred to NRGH, which has arguably the best rehab program on the island. But due to NRGH being over capacity in recent years, these “low priority” rehabilitation patients are now being referred to Victoria for their post-amputation rehabilitation and prosthetic services. This means, for many of these patients living with a disability, that they have to travel frequently over the Malahat through the traffic chaos of Victoria, to attend rehab appointments up to 3 times per week, and potentially dozens of prosthetic fitting and adjustment visits. This has included amputees living as far north as Ladysmith. An NRGH with greater capacity would allow these people to access these important life-long required services closer to home.

Some time ago I had to travel to Victoria twice for heart stents. I was advised that I could not drive myself nor did I have anyone that could drive me. There are thousands of us. Thankfully I found Wheels for Wellness that received funding though minimal from the province. I made the 2 trips and though I am a senior on fixed income was happy to pay(donate) $75.00 for each trip. The trip was perhaps possible by a lengthy bus ride though I have no ideal of the price. About 4 months ago I read in our local paper that Wheels for Wellness was expected to discontinue its service because of insufficient funding. Given the demographics and limited/no access to proper care in many areas, this service should be more appropriately funded by the province. If health care is going to be and has been centralized, the concept of equal access is false.

A year ago, my wife and I made the move to Vancouver Island , a decision that felt like a dream finally coming true. There’s something magical about this place. The peaceful rhythm of the ocean, endless forest trails to wander, mountains that call to you in every season, and a community that lives life a little slower, and a little kinder. For us, the Island isn’t just a home, it’s where we feel most ourselves.

But as much as we love it here, there’s a quiet weight that’s been growing heavier with time. Our parents are getting older, and like many families, we’re beginning to think more seriously about how we can be there to support them through the years ahead. The obvious answer, that they join us here on the Island , is one that should bring comfort. But instead, it brings uncertainty.

The truth is, healthcare on Vancouver Island is in crisis. We’ve seen it firsthand, not just in headlines, but in delays, shortages, and difficult choices that people here face daily. Our parents, still living on the mainland, hesitate to come closer to us because they worry they won’t get the care they need if they move. And so, we find ourselves stuck between two impossible options: they stay there, and we miss out on precious time together. Or they come here, and risk not having the same access to reliable, timely medical care.

It breaks our hearts to have to choose between closeness and safety, between family and a system that can actually care for them. We know we’re not the only ones facing this choice. It’s a situation that far too many Islanders are forced to consider.

We share our story because we believe that no one should have to sacrifice family connection for basic healthcare. Vancouver Island is a beautiful place, and it deserves a healthcare system that reflects the strength and compassion of the people who live here.

As a paramedic in this community, we witness the daily reality of emergent heart disease cases—often with heartbreaking outcomes.

It’s well known that if you live in the southern half of Vancouver Island, you have quicker, more direct access to a cath lab. But here in Nanaimo, we’re often left waiting—waiting to see if the clot-busting medication has worked. And too often, it hasn’t.

We push the limits of time and safety trying to get patients to a facility that can provide the care they need. All the while, we’re silently hoping they don’t develop complications like a GI bleed, a head bleed, or other risks that come with thrombolysis—risks that could be avoided if we had rapid, local access to a cath lab PCI centre right here in Nanaimo.

The time for change is now. We don’t need any more tragic outcomes. We deserve the same level of care as every other community.

I was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in the summer of 2019. Before surgery, I began receiving hormone replacement injections every six months—and I’m still on them today. In November 2019, I had surgery to remove my prostate, but unfortunately, not all of the cancer could be removed.

In the summer of 2020, I underwent 34 days of radiation, which successfully brought my PSA levels down to an acceptable range for a couple of years. Later scans, however, showed that the cancer had spread to my lower left ribs and right shoulder. I received 10 additional radiation treatments, which again helped reduce my PSA.

I’ve also been prescribed Xtandi (enzalutamide), taking four capsules daily—something I continue with to this day. The treatment comes with some side effects, including night sweats, fatigue, and increased emotional sensitivity.

Thankfully, my PSA levels are currently stable. I’ll remain on this treatment as long as it’s effective. When that changes, I’ll explore other options.

I’ve also joined the Seawolves Men’s Cancer Group, which has been a huge source of support. It’s incredibly comforting to know I’m not alone in this journey.

I received compassionate care at NRGH during an epileptic seizure, and I’m grateful for the support I experienced. As a volunteer at the hospital’s information desk, I often escort patients and visitors to their appointments. In our conversations, I’ve noticed that very few people are aware of the service shortfalls at NRGH. There’s a real need to raise awareness and support for the hospital.

I want to thank the medical staff at Nanaimo General Hospital for their excellent care. I have visited the emergency department three times in less than a year—twice for heart issues and uncontrollable bleeding. Their quick action saved my life. I especially want to thank the Ambassadors who greet you upon entering the emergency department. They are incredibly kind and ask a few essential questions. Since I was in serious condition, they immediately took me to admitting and even provided notes to the clerks to ensure I was seen quickly. The Ambassadors play a crucial role in the smooth and efficient prioritization of patient needs. Their dedication is truly appreciated.

On November 5, I had a heart attack at work and was taken to the Parksville Emergency Clinic. The staff and diagnostics were excellent, ensuring I received the necessary treatment before being transferred by ambulance to Nanaimo. At NRGH, I saw a cardiologist and was then transferred to Victoria for a stent implant. This is where things took a turn for the worse. The transfer to Victoria felt like riding in a third-world bus. However, once I arrived at the stent clinic, the care was professional and efficient. Unfortunately, the transfer back to NRGH was once again in a rickety, unsafe vehicle. Back at NRGH, I was kept overnight in what seemed like an office, with no ability to turn off the lights. The need for a stent clinic in Nanaimo is urgent and must be addressed immediately.

Last fall I got very sick with ecoli. After the infection ran its course I lost 25 lbs and became very thin, due to the incredibly severe side effects. I was referred to the only gastroenterologist in Nanaimo. I was told I would be trialed and then heard nothing. Tests indicated that I had inflammation in the bowel but my doctor told me that I couldn’t be treated until I had a diagnosis. To get that diagnosis I needed a colonoscopy. I was told I’d have to wait 4 to 6 months and was on the surgeon’s waitlist. As I was feeling so unwell and continued to lose weight we decided to go to the only private clinic in Canada that does colonoscopy that hasn’t been shut down. We flew to Montreal to have the procedure. The surgeon did a biopsy in order to get a diagnosis. The biopsy confirmed that I had microscopic colitis. His office called with the results and he put me on a 12-week course of oral steroids that helped heal my gut. It was an expensive way to get a diagnosis other than parking myself in the ER until someone agreed to help me. It was the only option available to me.

I have been having breathing problems for many years. Tests show my lungs are clear and not the cause of the breathing issues. Last year they discovered it’s a heart problem. I was told that I needed an angiogram and would have to wait 3 – 4 months. It has now been 8 months with no communication about the test. I’ve contacted them but they still don’t have a date.

Because I live in Nanaimo, I’ve learned that once a test is set, I have to spend up to 3 – 5 days in Victoria: one day before the test, the day of the test and one or more days after the test, depending on what they had to do.

I don’t have friends or family in Victoria so that means staying in a hotel (or B&B). Since I can’t drive, and I can’t be alone after the test, my sister has to come down from Courtenay to drive me and stay with me. Neither my sister or I are employed (pensions) so the cost will be difficult to absorb.