The Siege of the QEH

Looking to better understand the situation at the Charlottetown Hospital I did something that seems out of the ordinary for an Island politician. This afternoon, I actually visited the emergency room (ER) to see how things were going in light of all of the published concerns.

I found something which really surprised me ----- a siege mentality. When I arrived at the ER there were 7 people waiting and the atmosphere seemed quite subdued. Two patients were there for 2 hours. Another person had been waiting for 5 hours. A couple of others had just recently arrived. One of the recent arrivals had been released earlier that morning. The patient, who had been in the hospital for months and still confined to a wheel chair, was sent to a manor but upon arrival was told to go back to the hospital. Back at the hospital they discovered there was no bed and so they were sitting in ER.

This is where it gets interesting, the person with the patient asked me to move to my left because they felt a hospital staff person was trying to overhear what I was being told. My brother who was with me confirmed there was a lot of curious activity by the security guard and a staff person.

As I left the couple and walked through the ER, my brother noticed that we were being followed. I acknowledged the stalker and asked who she was. She recognized me by name, ‘Mr. Llewellyn,’ and she said she was a communications officer for the hospital.

I asked why she was following me. She said something about not being able to talk because of confidentially issues.

Here is the problem…………. A known person (wearing a suit) enters the hospital ER and asks people how long they have been waiting. The staff person, instead than greeting me and introducing herself, as the hospital Communications Officer decided to follow me clandestinely rather than actually communicate with me.

Why do we have communications people trying to clandestinely follow public figures in a public hospital rather than speaking to them?

I went back at 6:10 p.m. There were about 10 people in the ER. From what I could see, none of the patients whom I saw earlier were still there.

The bottom line is that the workings of all our public institutions, hospitals in particular, need constant review and observation by the people who use them, including the administrative staff, and the people who are responsible for the funding of them. If more politicians took the time to periodically walk the hospital corridors and talk to the users first hand, they might get a true understanding of what is happening, both good and bad. It is a management philosophy I have used for years

Islanders are Looking for Change

District 4 Belfast Murray River strawberries and ice cream social was a success with lots of people and candidates. Once again the conversation is showing Islanders are looking for change and I don't just mean PCs. Questions from Islanders are direct and probing, Islanders are becoming engaged and want to discuss issues, and how we will deal with the deficit, health care and keeping our economy going.

The event was an opportunity for me to assure residents of Southern Kings to my commitment of keeping the ferry running. I also shared with others my plan to have a renewable energy policy that benefits Islanders. On the economy and rural development, I shared with people, information on the work I am doing with the Island Grain and Protein Council to help revive agriculture by value-adding commodity crops with products for overseas markets that I have been able to identify.
Of course, it was also great to see some of my old friends from school days and new friends whom I met during our fight to save our schools.

The strawberries were also great!

Thanks to those who organized the event.

Another Kitchen Meeting

We had another, 'Kitchen Meeting,' last night. Once again there were some emerging common themes concerning health, education, the economy,Island energy needs, environment and a growing frustration with the waste and inefficiency in government services. Waste not always in the cash sense but in reduced productivity and lost opportunities.

So, for over two hours we discussed various scenarios for improving services, retaining jobs and honoring contracts while also creating change for the better.

We identified road blocks and discussed the current lack of management experience in the political parties, as the primary causes of government inefficiency and the lack of accountability.

For me, the bottom line was we agreed that it was possible to make improvements but there needs to be competent, experienced, respected and trusted leadership at the top in order to inspire meaningful change throughout the system.

There was significant agreement, from this diverse group, that there are no single, mega project, silver bullets that will succeed in changing the course we are on. Several people commented on how impressed they were with the turn around that occurred in Georgetown while I was Mayor. I believe everyone arrived at an understanding of how I would tackle the issues raised at the meeting.
Common sense discussion leads to common sense solutions.

Lets talk.

Kitchen Meeting

Did I mention that tonight's 'Kitchen Meeting,' (Wednesday July 14) is at 8:00 p.m. at 114 Upper Prince Street, Charlottetown.

If you are just reading this and have missed the meeting -- post a comment. I would really like to come to your area and discuss important Island issues.

Wait Times at the ER

Mary asked:

“What are your thoughts on my status regarding the lengthy wait at our ER at QEH? Do you think 19 hours is an acceptable waiting period? Just curious.....”

My reply:

Good Morning Mary

Mary, of course I don't agree with a 19 hour wait. In conversations with two RNs, an LNA and 2 doctors over the last 3 weeks all felt it was poor management for a lot of the wait time – such as scheduling, poor priorities, etc.

So back to your question, Mary. I don’t want to start sounding and acting like a politician but health care and education are priorities for Islanders and for me.

Here is my answer on what I will do to start the process to deal with wait times. As leader of the PC party and as premier I will check the information we are getting about ER wait times by actually going to the ER, speaking to Islanders waiting there, seeing for myself what is going on.

Second I will speak to health care workers where ever I find them including in their lunch rooms or cafeterias and hear what they believe is the problem and what they would suggest to fix it.

Third I will expect real answers and time lines from ministers and deputy ministers on what is wrong and how they expect to fix it.

Then I will ensure that real solutions get implemented.

Mary, fixing this problem is about showing the way with real transparent information and leadership.

Great Time at the Village Feast in Souris

Had a great day at the Village Feast in Souris yesterday, as a volunteer and ticket holder. My experience as an RCMP auxiliary officer was useful as I was put to work directing traffic into the parking lot.. The food was great and the volunteers did a phenomenal job of organizing and running the operation. Congratulations Michael Smith for your continued efforts. I was really pleased that the piece of jewelry I donated was auctioned off for $185. This is my best auction price for a single piece to date. Lots of support from people wanting to discuss issues and talk.

Just a great day!