Nanaimo, Sunday May 12th
This morning Marlene and I were talking a stroll through town when we came upon the Urgent Care Clinic with a line of over 16 people. Marlene being a nurse couldn’t help herself. She had to find out what was going on. We started chatting with some of the folks and found out that several people had been standing outside the clinic since 6:30 this morning, waiting for the facility to open at 9:00 a.m. Since it was almost 9 we decided to wait and see what happened. It wasn’t a pretty site!
An attendant came out the front door and announced that there was no doctor today so the clinic would not be able to help anyone. Supposedly there was a sign on the door announcing the closure but it was so obscure no one saw it. Needless to say, there were quite a few sick, angry people, and Canadians are known for being easy going. People were told that their only option today was to go to the ER at Nanaimo General Hospital.
As the dejected crowd was departing Marlene struck up a conversation with an older couple who had said they had been waiting outside for 45 minutes because this was the ONLY Urgent Care center in the city that was open on a Sunday. They also told me that as far as they knew the local hospital only kept ONE doctor on staff in the ER, so obviously those people who were brought in by ambulance or had a severe problem (such as chest pain) could be seen. They said their only option was to drive South to the Ladysmith Hospital where they might find assistance.
We have heard from our Canadian Friends that the lack GP’s is a huge problem here. And, since access to the Canadian Health System is through the GP’s, and there simply are none, access is difficult. Marlene did a little bit of asking around and one of the issues here is that the Canadians do not seem to use alternative Health Care Providers, such as Nurse Practitioners and Physicians Assistants to provide care. Many of the trained GP’s have retired, and the medical schools have simply not kept up with the demand. Also many physicians here chose to practice in the USA where reimbursement for their skills is greater.
So, just a word to the wise for fellow boaters heading into Canadian Waters: Bring your own well stocked first aid kit; make sure you bring along your medications AND if possible ask your personal doctor in the USA to give you a script for a broad spectrum antibiotic (if they will do that for you); bring a couple of rapid Covid tests if you are concerned about this; Look into Telemedicine options located in the USA (Your insurance providers can assist with this if necessary); Have the phone numbers of your Consulting Nurse (again usually available through your insurer) and call them for advice. And, probably most important just don’t get sick in Canada!
PS-When I was injured in Canada 10 years ago I did receive good care, so the overall quality is not necessarily the question but access sure is!
Greg and Marlene, best of luck on your return trip to Alaska. Glacier Bay is a worthy goal, the expansive views and abundant wildlife are unsurpassed!
Regarding limited access to medical care in Canada, unfortunately this is not a new issue. Many years ago, my company operated manufacturing plants in both the U.S. and Canada. It was not uncommon for many of our Canadien employees to cross the border seeking routine care that would otherwise be months (or years) on a waiting list in Canada. Sadly, recent trends in the U.S. are pointing toward worsening access in the U.S. as well.
So stay healthy, stay safe, and we look forward to trip updates and photos!
-Mark
Mark, just checking to see if if you get this and if you can respond to it?