Finished carving the '100 Year Anniversary Stone,' in Souris on Sunday. Met with my friend the ex-mayor Joanne Reid. So many people wanting to talk about politics while I was carving, I was afraid I would get mixed up and carve a pic of Government House!
Is it that I am available because I work in the public space (i.e. carving a community stone or working in my studio or restaurant) that so many people want to speak about politics or are people feeling they can't find the politicians they elected willing to speak to them for any longer than than the hand shake and photo op?
I don't know the answer but I will continue to do the research by speaking to Islanders.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Background on my ejection from the QEH
As a leadership candidate for the Progressive Conservative Party of PEI and next Premier of the Province I have been asked repeatedly what would I do to correct the problem in health care; specifically what I would do to deal with the wait times in the ER.
I have said clearly that I need to better understand the situation at the QEH before taking a position. That includes the perspective of the emergency room itself. Media reports, patient’s comments and Government spin have all contributed to a growing mistrust and lack of confidence in our delivery of health care.
When faced with conflicting reports on situations throughout my career I have always made certain to obtain a first-hand understanding in order to sift through the rhetoric and self-serving information. Then, when well informed on one side, I make it a point to become equally informed on the other .
As I am finding out every day, it is very hard for the public to find out what is behind the stories found in the Media. Here is the “Detailed story “ behind the story today”.
Here are my notes
Ejected from the waiting room of the ER Tues night
I dropped in about 7:45 stayed for 2 to 3 minutes, never talked to anyone. I was there to observe, not to speak to patients. When I was leaving I engaged the security guard in a conversation, which turned to politics and the leadership race.
During the conversation a medical person came from the ER to the waiting room and asked if I was there to see a doctor? I jokingly said no I was here to see him pointing at the security guard to whom I had been talking. The medical person then asked the guard if I was there to see him and he replied that I was there to see how things were going. The medical person then told me I had to leave, I asked why and was told it was policy. I asked the guard if it was a written policy? He told me he wasn’t aware of any policy. Regardless, the medical person told me I had to leave, I asked who she was and she just said “The Nurse” I informed them I would be requesting a copy of the policy tomorrow. I left.
I called the hospital to speak to the administrator. Dr. Henderson called me back after I left a message ------------ long conversation
Dr. Henderson told me she issued the order to watch me to all staff and security.
However the security guard I spoke to was not aware of it. The doctor tried to say I was talking to patients on my last visit, I corrected her a number of times and explained that I spoke to no one on this visit or on my second of three visits other than the guard, and the people I spoke to on Fri WANTED to speak to me.
I asked her repeatedly about her exclusion policy telling her I wanted to make sure that I had it right that “elected politicians, even the premier, or the minister of health, are not allowed in the ER waiting room, even to observe what is going on, without getting prior permission” She confirmed that was the policy.
She said politicians “actually” don’t come into the ER to see what the situation is, they call for a meeting. Politicians only come for official purposes IE sod turnings, openings.
She said she has asked for a copy of the written policy and hopes to have it soon, if they actually have one. It may take time to get it. Policy relates to news people and public figures etc. She also said if she were to find that they did not have a policy, she would have one drawn up.
Politicians or others must request a meeting and proper protocol will be followed, EVEN the health minister. I told her that I am opposed to this policy, as well as my ejection and ongoing ban from the QEH emergency Room, and the ban of others, including elected officials.
She offered to set up a meeting on Aug 16. I explained that this date was too far in the future, I would like to deal with the issue sooner. I told her I will be sending a formal letter of objection today or tomorrow, and will be looking for a meeting to discuss it.
I have said clearly that I need to better understand the situation at the QEH before taking a position. That includes the perspective of the emergency room itself. Media reports, patient’s comments and Government spin have all contributed to a growing mistrust and lack of confidence in our delivery of health care.
When faced with conflicting reports on situations throughout my career I have always made certain to obtain a first-hand understanding in order to sift through the rhetoric and self-serving information. Then, when well informed on one side, I make it a point to become equally informed on the other .
As I am finding out every day, it is very hard for the public to find out what is behind the stories found in the Media. Here is the “Detailed story “ behind the story today”.
Here are my notes
Ejected from the waiting room of the ER Tues night
I dropped in about 7:45 stayed for 2 to 3 minutes, never talked to anyone. I was there to observe, not to speak to patients. When I was leaving I engaged the security guard in a conversation, which turned to politics and the leadership race.
During the conversation a medical person came from the ER to the waiting room and asked if I was there to see a doctor? I jokingly said no I was here to see him pointing at the security guard to whom I had been talking. The medical person then asked the guard if I was there to see him and he replied that I was there to see how things were going. The medical person then told me I had to leave, I asked why and was told it was policy. I asked the guard if it was a written policy? He told me he wasn’t aware of any policy. Regardless, the medical person told me I had to leave, I asked who she was and she just said “The Nurse” I informed them I would be requesting a copy of the policy tomorrow. I left.
I called the hospital to speak to the administrator. Dr. Henderson called me back after I left a message ------------ long conversation
Dr. Henderson told me she issued the order to watch me to all staff and security.
However the security guard I spoke to was not aware of it. The doctor tried to say I was talking to patients on my last visit, I corrected her a number of times and explained that I spoke to no one on this visit or on my second of three visits other than the guard, and the people I spoke to on Fri WANTED to speak to me.
I asked her repeatedly about her exclusion policy telling her I wanted to make sure that I had it right that “elected politicians, even the premier, or the minister of health, are not allowed in the ER waiting room, even to observe what is going on, without getting prior permission” She confirmed that was the policy.
She said politicians “actually” don’t come into the ER to see what the situation is, they call for a meeting. Politicians only come for official purposes IE sod turnings, openings.
She said she has asked for a copy of the written policy and hopes to have it soon, if they actually have one. It may take time to get it. Policy relates to news people and public figures etc. She also said if she were to find that they did not have a policy, she would have one drawn up.
Politicians or others must request a meeting and proper protocol will be followed, EVEN the health minister. I told her that I am opposed to this policy, as well as my ejection and ongoing ban from the QEH emergency Room, and the ban of others, including elected officials.
She offered to set up a meeting on Aug 16. I explained that this date was too far in the future, I would like to deal with the issue sooner. I told her I will be sending a formal letter of objection today or tomorrow, and will be looking for a meeting to discuss it.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
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.
“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.
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