January 7, 2010

Hello everyone,

Things are moving fast for Chris, his therapy is awesome it is as if he knew what was going on. John is here with me this week helping out and freeing up some time so I can take care of all the calls and paper work that have to be answered.

More lies and half truths coming from the government I can't share them all just yet at the moment but one arm says one thing and the other contradicts what was said the day before. If this is how they run the rest of the government we better wake up and take stock, before it is too late.

Basically after stating they were waiting for more information from Ponoka, Ponoka said: they did not have any requests from BC for more information.

The only thing BC asked for was that no media or cameras be allowed onto AHS sites which include the facility Chris is in, how convenient. They really think by stopping pictures and stopping the media’s access to Christopher would prevent the story from being told.

Ever get the feeling we live in a dictatorship and not a democracy? Thought we had freedom of speech in this Country?

Ponoka in fact has said we're not sending anything else, as it was all sent.
Everyone from the sending end knows the doctor’s reports from both Alberta and BC as well as the physio therapist reports to show Christopher's progress were iin fact received by the health ministry.

You all have read part of those reports on the blog.

It is strange they cannot understand what was written by the health care providers the first time.

I had my ten year old read the letters and even she can understand what is being said. Wonder how they would make out on "Are you smarter than a fifth grader".

BC's earlier comment on CBC Radio AM 690 was that this families expectations are unrealistic wanting him to walk and practise medicine again. Something I have never said or asked for I might add.
Quite an extraordinary comments seeing as how I have never talked to anyone from the health ministry as they would not talk to me or return calls.
Maybe that is the trouble with government in health care, they already know what we want and need without asking us?

This I quote, from the last twist or spin depending how you look at it is:

“The Ministry of Health Services recognizes the desires of Dr. Bigelow’s friends and family that he continues to receive the best care possible. As we have done over the last two years, the ministry will continue to support the best plan of care for Dr. Bigelow based on the expert advice and recommendations of his health professionals in Alberta and in B.C".

Dr. Bigelow’s physicians are meeting on January 11th to discuss his ongoing needs. We are guided solely by their professional advice.”

Take care,


Ryan Jabs

Ministry of Health Services Communications
Public Affairs Bureau, B.C.
(250) 952-3401
Cell: (250) 413-7121
Ryan.Jabs@gov.bc.ca

Letter below had already been sent to the ministry November 27, 2009 and then they proceed to put us through all of this to just have it done again. To what end, for what gain or was it to just blow the wind from our sails and demoralize us or is it just bullying?

November 27, 2009

Ms. Lee Cave
Ministry of Health Services
Out of office Province Claim
2-1 1515 Blanchard Street, Victoria, B.C. V8W 3C8

Re:      Dr. Bigelow, Chris

Dear Ms. Cave

As you know, Dr. Bigelow sustained a traumatic brain and in a motor vehicle accident on November 3, 2007. At this time Dr. Bigelow is in Halvar Jonson Center for brain injury in Ponoka Alberta. I am writing this letter to support Dr. Bigelow's extended stay in Ponoka, Alberta. He is receiving aggressive rehabilitation for his traumatic brain injury and, according to his treating physiatrist, has made moderate gains in his functional status. Based on these gains, which have translated into functional improvements by all accounts, I would fully recommend an extended stay at the Halvar Jonson Center.

Sincerely,

J Diggle, BSc, CSCN, MD, FRCPC

Neurology Surrey Memorial Hospital

The response from the ministry that has said repeatedly they had not made a decision on his return and were awaiting further information from Ponoka and I quote:

“Reference is made your November 27, 2009 letter regarding Christopher Bigelow's continued treatment at the Halvar Jonson Center for brain injury in Ponoka Alberta. Authorization is granted for payment of benefits for Dr. Bigelow's admission until January 15, 2010 to allow time for planning his return to a facility in BC.”

We already know they will not accept the advice and recommendations of the Alberta health professionals because they are not from BC. (This seems to be only in Christopher’s case)

Let’s remember that these people who practise medicine in Alberta are Canadians just as much as we are. These are professionals as much as any other in this country of ours and they have the Halvar Jonson Center for brain injury. They treat patients from all over Canada because those health regions and governments chose not or did not have the foresight to see the need or understand the injury or how to go about treating it effectively.

Sorry but you just cannot spin your way out of these truths.

I am too tired to go on any more this evening.

Bye for another eventful day,

Kevin