The last few years have not been easy ones for hospitals across Ontario and Québec, what with superbugs like SARS and more ominously clostridium difficile, a severe colon infection. In one outbreak in a Hamilton area hospital, 62 patients died. The response by public health authorities has been nothing short of appalling -- far too late, far too half-hearted and even insulting to the families of both those who died, as well as to those lucky enough to survive.
It's also been a big issue in the UK, where in 2006 -- the last year for which there are complete numbers -- about 6500 died from c. difficile. Interestingly, the response from the various units of the NHS have varied drastically -- from indifference from public health authorities in Wales to unsanitary conditions (janitorial duties are contracted out there -- hint, hint!), to an all out and all-party war against the disease in Northern Ireland. These include surprise health inspections, £10 million in extra funding to stop the current outbreak (which started in January) and an forthcoming independent inquiry.
To think that Ulster with all its lingering sectarian problems manages to get it and can put aside prejudices to deal with a health crisis, while we in totally secular Canada don't get it is embarrassing. This strain has been around since 2006 and over 250 have died in total in Ontario, over simple and preventable steps that could have been taken. Just because our health care system is strained is no excuse to put patients first and make sure they're not killed by the hospitals they're staying at -- or the unhealthy conditions therefrom.
George Smitherman must stop being in denial over this and call an independent inquiry. It's long overdue.
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