Letters to the editor are welcome at guardian-letters@postmedia.com. UnsplashArticle contentHealth care delays concerningTHIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe recent article reporting that 1.4 million Canadians are waiting a median of 28.6 weeks for treatment should concern us all. People should not have to endure months-long delays to receive essential medical care. It not only causes physical suffering and emotional distress to patients but can also escalate minor medical issues into serious complications.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentWhen people spend months waiting for surgeries or seeing a specialist, they are unable to work and participate in their daily lives. These delays not only affect the individual but also the workplace and the economy. Some families also go through financial difficulties when the breadwinner is awaiting medical treatment.Article contentTo alleviate these issues, the government should take effective measures; they should invest in recruiting more doctors, nurses and specialists so patients receive timely care. For routine follow-up appointments, virtual services can be used which save time for both the doctors and patients.Article contentWe pay taxes throughout our lives and expect to receive medical treatment when needed. Prolonged delays in receiving treatment defeat the purpose of having a publicly funded health-care system.Article contentNo patient should have to live with uncertainty while waiting for care that could improve their quality of life. I hope the government takes immediate steps to ensure all citizens get access to basic health care on time.Article contentArticle contentSafa Khan, UPEI StudentArticle contentArticle contentLocal nurses should be supportedArticle contentThe government of Prince Edward Island mandated TRNC (transition to registered nursing in Canada) for internationally trained nurses as well as Canadian nurses looking to re-enter the workforce. I was surprised to hear from nurses that they had to wait two years after passing the NCLEX and obtaining a license to start the TRNC program. During the waiting period, they are required to pay the fees and keep their licence active. It is a 14–16-week program funded by the government that includes theory and a clinical portion, along with an 84-hour preceptorship, with no clear path to an RN job.Article contentIt is a major concern for me as a family member who completed this program, and now, she is having a hard time finding a job. During her preceptorship, she was informed that multiple departments at the hospital do not hire nurses from this program, and they rely on travel nurses and UPEI graduates. Travel nurses are quite expensive to employ, yet they are prioritized over P.E.I. residents who are qualified and educated to work as RNs. They are working as caregivers, food service employees, and retail workers when they can be employed by the province to eliminate the nursing shortage and unemployment.Article contentI believe the local nurses should be supported in finding a job upon completion of the program. There are a few flaws, as there is no clear path to enter the profession, which is the main purpose of this program. P.E.I. is a small province that can benefit by prioritizing our qualified residents in health-care jobs or the province should be clear about the wait times and job availability so the qualified nurses can make an informed decision.Article contentGurpreet Brar, UPEI studentArticle content
LETTERS: Health care delays concerning
