From a nurse's perspective

Page 5

Dear Editor:

I am an Aboriginal nurse working with the Kwakiutl District Council Health Office. The cutbacks in health care across the country will definitely have an impact on Aboriginal people.

Many First Nations members are reluctant to go to a physician at the best of times. They do not like to bother people for things, and sometimes are reluctant to ask for help. In December 2001, the nurses in this area of Northern Vancouver Island, for example, were able to advocate for clients at the grassroots level. Nurses were able to go into the home of the client, assess the situation, and order supplies such things as bath stools, walkers, canes, and protective under pads for incontinence. As of Jan. 22, it seems that we are no longer able to do this without a doctor's prescription from the client.

The communities in the Northern Vancouver Island region for years have maintained their independent ways of living off the land, fishing, hunting and logging. With the evolvement of the lack of natural resources, many Aboriginal people now have not the means of supporting the healthy lifestyle that they once so proudly held. There are no jobs for the fishermen and loggers. There are now many hurdles to fetch food, such as no money for gas or boats.

The media is filled with messages of how hospitals and doctors' offices are overcrowded.

Well, guess what? Do you think they will want to see a client in their home to assess there home situation for supplies to aid their independent needs? I don't think so.

The clients who do need the assistance may not ask the right questions, or may just not want to ask, and that in turn could lead to more complex health challenges down the road. So in the long run, yes, the cut backs in health care will have a major affect on the health of First Nations people.

Respectfully,

Phyllis Jorgensen, RN BScN

Kwakiutl District Council Health Office