Primary Health Care

These are considerations made from a “patient-centred” perspective.

Most persons in Canada, do feel the entitlement to have a greater say and influence on the Canadian Health Care systems. As Tony Clement had recently said, on his visit with Steve Paikin, on the Agenda in November of 2007. “Canada actually has 14 different Health Care systems, and we consider that a good thing, invites the examination of innovative ideas from more than 14 different sources. With Local Health Integration Networks or Regional Health Authorities we have many different sources of which to draw ‘Best Practice demonstrations from” (paraphrased, but one should view they show in its entirety (view here).

Clearly the debates that have ensued and viewed by a Canadian audience…are diverse…and carrying multiple agenda’s to the table. There are indeed some positive movement. Michael Dectre shared some valuable points, but was challenged as to whether his perspective is that of the current reality and the “feelings of Canadians…some of the blog responses suggest it was actually the young female Physician a member of a group… Physicians that are truly interested in “the Sustaining of Medicare”. There are definitely strong forces that seem to undermine or are out to sabotage Medicare and any publicly funded suggestion and any other interest group.

What was most apparent was the blatant display that what Steve Paikin and staff valued most is the voice of the Physician, since there were two physicians and Michael Decter, the son of a Physician will have the legacy influence of that white euro-male dominate historical lineage, education and upbringing, that prevails. Multi-culturalism and inter-national politics are often covered, often with better representation of what “multi-cultural Canada” is all about. Meanwhile, who cannot see that Health Care is the most Political of Arena’s…the most dominated by one gender, one profession…and actually should through benevolence and Ethical as well as Social Justice mandates …better represent the interests of patients…their multi-cultural profile…if not to examine the “culture of Health Care” to see that there are more nurses, whose very highest ethical mandate is that of Advocacy for the patient even in the face of opposition of other health care providers. We also should be respective of the fact that there are other professionals in support of patient outcomes and advocacy, besides nurses and physicians.

So first up: Representation by patient/client/ persons who access health care…the tax-payer.

Second up: Expansion of who they get to Choose to see..it is after all- the tax-payers money.

Third: Expand the choice beyond who they see, but where. Most spend most of their hours at work or at school…why is Health Care not delivered in these settings. Why are their parking fees, and possible long drives to see one type of provider who offers limited and often limiting, unsafe and uncertain outcomes.

Fourth: The TEAMS, which would be by the populations choosing should be working under that same model of care. The Medical Model, has dominated in relation to the historical oppression of others, historically Male Doctors over Female Nurses…and that discriminatory and oppressive model needs to be laid to rest.

The Trans-disciplinary Collaborative Models, that should be instituted immediately should represent a reflection of balance of gender populations served…which is close to 50/50. All professions should have a similar reflective balance…that being 50 percent male physicians…50 percent female Physicians. In the same stream of comparison there should be 50 percent male nurse and 50 percent female nurses (in those populations where it is more 50/50) In Women’s Health Centre, as we talk in terms of whole person health and positive relationships as part of Healthy Living, women should have choice, but not reject the notion that male contributions, in counceling in particular may be necessary for “complete healing”. Well examining the issues of the evolution of the Women’s Health movement and increased offerings of Women’s Health offered by Women, should there not be equal offering of Men’s Health offered by men…other than Physicians (say by Male Physio, counceling and or nursing services by men).

Five: Social Integration that enhances Inter-generational collaboration. While most of Health Care dollars are being spent on the very oldest and secondly by the very youngest, we should not lose out on such an incredible opportunity to bring Grade school, High School and all post-secondary school students together in collaborative learning and growing, with our seniors and recent retiree’s. The pools of neurons are still quite phenomenal the wisdom shared can improve everyones’ quality of life, relationships and health.

Six: Information Technology continues to be so very under-utilized in the country in Health Care.

Seven: The “ecological footprint” of Health Care is HUGE…it is time that they become more accountable, more responsible, and “stewardship programs” at the grass-roots level of every organization…right at “the bedside”.