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System worked well before IHA service cuts

I read with some interest Dr. Lawe’s letter indicating that having a surgeon in Nelson would somehow “destabilize” health care in the West Kootenay.

I read with some interest Dr. Lawe’s letter indicating that having a surgeon in Nelson would somehow “destabilize” health care in the West Kootenay.

Perhaps he owes it to himself to review how such a plan worked very well for over 40 years with surgeons in both Nelson and Trail and complete coverage for both communities during the entire time. It was only when the IHA was created and got rid of Nelson’s surgical program that a problem was created for Nelson and area residents. Their “golden hour” after trauma has been lost.

What is most amazing is that the IHA was able to close so many beds, services and even entire hospitals and yet have cost us more each and every year. If you are wondering where the money went just visit one of the IHA’s massive administrative wings. They’ve merely replaced nurses, services and beds with administrators.

R. Lee Hutton, BSc PhD MD FRCP (C), Nelson