A TRIBUTE TO THE REGINA GENERAL HOSPITAL STAFF AND THE SASK HEALTH AUTHORITY
As some of you know I spent a number of days recently in the Regina General Hospital admitted with a severe asthma attack. The kindness, care, knowledge of every staff member was outstanding. Following are some of the details of my experience—some of the humor you see in these situations, and the personal enrichment of my time there.
To start with where do they find these handsome, caring young paramedics? Whose sons and grandsons are they? My daughters’ comments: “Oh Mother!”
The Hospital prepared a very nice supper of turkey, dressing and all the trimmings along with pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. Couldn’t eat any of it! What a travesty. Certifies me for two Christmas dinners! My daughters’ comments: ‘I hope she gets over missing the turkey dinner.’
Two of my room mates were indigenous men 1 about my age. Ray and I enjoyed watching STARS landing right beside and above us. How fascinating is that. There is somebody who is having a worse day than you are. Ray was a retired plumber with diabetes and infection and deterioration meant he could no longer work. This bothered him. He said the new plumbers don’t know what we know. We shared stories.
Shawn was a 45-year old man from a reserve near Broadview. Shawn under the super care soon started to improve. My impression was that Shawn had not had the benefit of strong support. He told me he was going to change his attitude because he really wanted to keep his job at the ski hill, that he just had to work. I said you can do it, Shawn, there are all kinds of professional people that would love to help you.
I think of Shawn and Ray often. I hope their health improves and they can lead normal healthy lives. We had good visits. I realized how fortunate I was in all that life had put in front of me for the taking. Stay well Shawn and Ray. Gail Bradley