Skip to content

SMH provided the royal treatment

Thankful for Canada’s health care system – and a big thank-you to the staff.

Recently I was admitted into the emergency department of Surrey Memorial Hospital with a potentially dangerous condition.

Upon plunking down my Care Card and answering a few questions, I was immediately admitted into the new facility. Four nurses pounced upon me, taking off my sandals, socks, and shirt, sticking a thermometer under my tongue, hooking me up to electronic monitors, checking my blood pressure and taking blood samples, all in a matter of minutes.

They kept me comfortable, answered my questions and even gave me a cordless phone so I could call my wife. I was really impressed by the quick response and professionalism of the staff.

Later, when I asked for some lunch, in short order I got good soup, macaroni and broccoli, yogurt, orange juice and a TV remote so I could watch one of my favourite programs.

I truly received the royal treatment and was thinking about the limited, inadequate facilities and treatment in West Africa for the ebola victims. What makes me deserve such good care and no bill to bankrupt me like the U.S. system? I’m so thankful for our health care system, although it has some flaws and limitations.

Later, after eight hours, I was discharged. A big thank you to the SMH staff.

 

George Yntema, Surrey