Re: "Operating-room closures a cost-saving measure," July 31.
Here's to Dr. Tim Relf for expressing my thoughts exactly. VIHA spokeswoman Shannon Marshall states: "Surgical waits have nothing to do with summertime surgical slowdowns."
That is a contradictory sentence. Operating-room closures are done at Christmas, spring break and summer until after Labour Day. That's a long time to have half of the operating rooms closed. These closures involve a huge team of professionals, from the surgeons to the housekeeping staff. Holiday closures save a lot of money in the budget. That is why these closures were initiated originally by Vancouver Island Health Authority.
VIHA says operating-room closures "are so physicians and staff can take time off to spend with family and friends."
Vacation time is determined fairly by seniority. VIHA determines when staff can or cannot take their vacation time. So staff appreciation is not the first and foremost reason for the operating-room closures.
Catherine
Williams Sooke
