At last, I understand the compulsion to write to the editor.  This is after years of thinking nobody would be interested in my opinion.

Two days in emergency, with my spouse, were calm, coherent and efficient.  The ward was a shock.  I accept that holiday periods are a challenge.  I am completely mystified, though, by VIHA and/or NRGH.

The organization of doctors and nurses as if they were pieces on a chess board is incomprehensible.  The room size made it a challenge for my spouse to juggle a walker, along with tables and the portable IV.

By day six, being unable to reach our family doctor to clarify the situation, I was completely confused.

Whether it was saying to Dr. Baird, on day seven, that I was so thankful for my sense of humour or whether he just noticed I was close to collapse.  I do not know.

I will, however, be eternally grateful for the time he took to ensure we both understood cause and effect before we left the hospital.

Thank you, Dr Baird.  You deserve three gold stars.

D. Young

Nanoose Bay