FVC Perspectives—September: Health care

Here at the Fraser Valley Current, we do our fair share of reporting on the bad side of health care. The excessive wait times. The increasing disease rates. The overworked staff. The underfunded facilities.

But, as respondents showed in this month’s FVC Perspectives call out, health care isn’t all doom and gloom.

We asked readers if what kind of experiences they have had in local health care. Nearly 70% of people said they had positive experiences in health care nearly every time, while another 28% said their experiences had been mostly good. In fact, only one person said they had mostly negative interactions with the health care system.

So we wanted to know: what sort of good news stories have our respondents seen in local hospitals, walk-in clinics, and other health care facilities?

Here’s what our readers had to say. (We weren’t able to use every response we received, but we appreciate them all. As noted in the form, we prioritize responses that come with a name.)

Mark Perry: “I have received very good health care from both Burnaby Hospital and Abbotsford Cancer Clinics over the last seven years, which included a couple of visits to the Burnaby Hospital Emergency Department. During my cancer treatment I have had many blood tests, ultrasounds, Pet Scan, MRI's and all the hospital staff doing the test were very compassionate and caring. Special mention for Dr. Tellio at Burnaby Hospital and Dr. Kahlon at the Abbotsford Cancer Clinic for their wonderful care. I am very happy to report my cancer condition is now in Remission and I am still receiving excellent follow up care from Dr Kahlon and staff.”

Erin Gauthier: “We have experienced exceptional care from the nurses and doctors in the Abbotsford Hospital NICU most recently in February 2024 of this year. These nurses are amazing human beings who made my son’s traumatic stay the best it could possibly be. The staff not only care for the babies but also for the parents as well. They are highly trained to care for the little humans and they also take time to talk to parents, answer questions, and provide interactions that allow parents to feel seen and heard. Though I don’t wish a NICU stay on anyone, I am so grateful for the Abbotsford team and their approach. They made a very stressful time feel as supported as possible.”

Katrina Eng: “I’m glad you’re doing a positive spin on our healthcare. I’ve worked at Tabor Home in Abbotsford for the last 22 years as a chef. I am so humble to say that my experience with the residence and from scratch cooking has really done wonders for our elderly. I always wanted to be a nurse and you know this is the second best thing I get to do all the baking and cooking with love and I get to have one on one with the residents every day. I even have an official cookie tester. Not every day we hear a good stories about our healthcare system and how it works, but we need to focus on the positive and know that there are very caring people that work within the industry of healthcare. We have to work together as a team to put a positive light on all situations good and bad. My work is always from the heart and I care deeply about producing great meals that our residents love.”

Grace Friesen: “From the time my problem started to surgery was 2 months. All the staff were professional and my stay was very positive.”

Charlene Neufeld: “My husband picked up a virus called Polly Myalgia Rumitoid (PMR). He was at home swelling like a balloon and in excruciating pain. It attacks the whole body. It is unpredictable as to how long it will last and can be in your body up to 5 years. Leading up a diagnosis I took my husband to the Chilliwack ER because it came on quickly. We were seen within a reasonable amount of time by the triage nurse and then asked to wait in the waiting area. During that wait they ran a bunch of tests. Couldn’t really call it a wait because people came to him to test his blood, take him for X-rays, and monitor his heart. Brilliant way to get things going even before you get into the back area and seen by a doctor.

“Every one was kind and helpful; Right down to the volunteers and porters. When we got into the back a doctor came to examine and explain what they believed the diagnosis to be. PMR. Didn’t have a clue what it was but they immediately gave him the medication to make him comfortable. Thankfully we have a family doctor who also came to see him. But it doesn’t stop there. We went home and our doctor called him every day to check on him for the first week, then once a week for the next couple of months. Then a referral was made to a specialist to confirm the diagnosis. Amazing care. We are thankful to so many who continue to care for my husband because it’s been over a year and he still gets flair ups. (I’m not going to use names only because I don’t have permission) but special thanks to Chilliwack ER and the Young clinic. You are all amazing.”

Earla Dawn Legault: “I would like to speak to the positive experience of the Chilliwack hospice bereavement services as a part of health care. Hospices ensure people have a peaceful, pain-managed life and our loved ones are healthy and whole after their loved ones death.”

Christine: “I work for Fraser Health. Yes it is pretty bad. I have waited 9 hours in the ER. Communication and direction from management is terrible. Many managers and supervisors are incompetent. However most of my admin support and nursing coworkers are fantastic hardworking and smart. I stay because of them. I like my job but sometimes it is really difficult to do a good job because of how the system is set up and the processes that are in place which are completely out of our control.”

Eunice Sigurdson: “Excellent after surgery care. Good physio kind staff. Good food. Mostly kind caring staff who are very very busy.”

Michael: “During the height of the pandemic, the vaccination clinic at CGH was my go-to. Professional and friendly staff who did a great job and even found some humour in the job. 10/10 work.”

Ruth Swanwick: “Very good care at Mission hospital in March. Presently on a program called 'Remote monitoring'. This program is conducted by the 'Heart function clinic' and Fraser Health together with equipment supplied by Telus so that every day I weigh myself, take my blood pressure, pulse and heart rate which I then transmit to Fraser health and they record the readings and can tell how I'm doing on a daily basis. If they see any abnormalities they contact me. I think this is a great program.”

Mary-Anne Fish: “Both Dr Wiggins and Dr Chatenay are dedicated surgeons who have been wonderful in taking care of me and doing checks every six months in case my breast cancer comes back. I had a heck of a time getting in the system here after finishing my cancer treatment in Ontario but when I finally linked with first Dr. Wiggins, and then his successor Dr Chatenay it was a huge comfort and I could breathe a sigh of relief knowing they were on top of things. Dr. Chateau would have kept seeing me indefinitely but the system sent me back to a family doctor for follow ups once I’d passed the 5 year mark. I also need to do a shout out to their wonderful assistant Jenny. She is the most organized and lovely person I could have hoped for. I really felt well looked after with genuine care and concern. “

Heidi: “Our GP Dr. Tolmie is an excellent doctor! He stays on top of things, he is thorough and really listens to us. My husband and son both had hernia repairs. The nurses in day surgery ward were wonderful and caring!”

Wendy Thomson: “Last year I accompanied my sister to a series of chemo treatments at the Abbotsford hospital. The service and caring demonstrated by the nurses in the chemo ward was outstanding.”

Linda: “The Primary Care Clinic now located on Evans Road and nurse practitioner Kimberly-Anne Reid provide good care.”

Lionel Chambers: “I had heart problems and spent a month in hospital in 2020. I kept a journal that, later, the staff at ARH read and were thrilled with it.”

Anne: “I recently spent 3 weeks at ARH. The care from nurses in Baker 2 was exceptional. A shout out to Ruby, Charn, Janice and Katy in Baker 2. Also physiotherapists Jason Krahn, Patrick and Gilbert. These individuals made my difficult situation much more tolerable and I appreciate their care immensely! Thank you!”

Kristen Hauge: “My husband was in 2018 diagnosed with esophageal cancer which some of you may know, does not have much of a success rate. It took time but he got through it after losing his esophagus and 1/3 of his stomach. Four years later, the cancer had metastasized into his right lung. His fantastic surgeon Dr. Sharon Ong, removed the top quarter of the lung and he is now playing golf once or twice a week. His oncologist is also one of the best. Dr. Zulifikar. So far he has not even required chemo as they think they got it all but they keep checking. We are so grateful for the Health Care system here in BC. Between his cancer care and his GP Dr. Dressler at Agassiz Medical Clinic, they comprise a wonderful team.”

George Preston: “My Gall Bladder tried to kill me in 2019. I was skiing at Manning Park and spent 45 minutes laying in the parking lot before I was loaded into the Ski Patrol toboggan and then an ambulance (old with no springs) to Chilliwack. I spent 6 days in intensive care and the next 80 days in Chilliwack and St Paul's hospital until I had recovered enough to go home. I received nothing but Kind Compassionate Care from the amazing staff, nurses and doctors in both facilities. They are underfunded but they are some of the nicest people I know. Glad that I chose to try and die in the Fraser Valley Health Care System (Not recommended to others to try though...)”

Marilyn Reichert: “Dr. Ben Kang, Langley Oral Surgery, did my resident (adult) grandson's jaw realignment. Dr Kang's receptionist/assistant was always cheerful, helpful and caring. Dr. Kang did an amazing job of preparing my grandson (22) for his surgery, giving us details from xrays and drawings as to what the surgery would look like, taking the time to explain the does and do nots of pre op surgery and post op surgery. We went into this journey with a significant amount of fear and trepidation, having heard nightmare stories of others (who went elsewhere) and the problems that arose. With Dr Kang, he was very clear to us on what to do, what not to do, how to prepare, what to expect. Then post operative, Dr. Kang saw Linden every week for five weeks and continued to be helpful with the ''do this, do not do that'' information. My grandson recovered very well, exactly in the time frame Dr Kang had said, and we are thrilled with the work Dr. Kang did. We would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Ben Kang to others. (He broke Linden's jaw in two places & inserted metal plates and screws to bring the jaw forward [fix a severe overbite]. Linden had 6 weeks off work, and 6 weeks of no chewing, wired shut, live on smoothies and milkshakes).”

Mark Lawrence: “Went to the ER in Chilliwack, was seen almost immediately, scanned everywhere possible and booked for surgery the next morning at 10 AM. 6 day hospital stay after surgery. Everyone and everything was so professional !!!”

Carrie: “Prompt and very good care when my husband had a stroke, no lasting damage. Compassionate and prompt care for me from my family doctor. I have a chronic and fatal disease. The key is the family doctor. He has facilitated testing and sped up the process. I have had a lot of tests. He has come to our home when i have been unable to go out. The speech therapy services at the hospital have been very helpful. There are so many good people who are doing their best. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Pauline Buck: “After a fall that required shoulder replacement surgery in January this year, I received excellent care from Fraser Health Home Care twice a day for about 2 months. I am a senior and live alone. My right arm was immobilized in a cumbersome sling. Mornings a woman came to help me shower, dress and prepare breakfast. Evenings someone came to help me get ready for bed. Fortunately, my surgery was on my non dominant side so I was reasonably self sufficient during the day with my "good" arm. All the care aids were friendly, professional and helpful. I was grateful to have them in my home. After 2 weeks a physio therapist came twice a week to start an exercise regimen to regain my shoulder's mobility. I can't say enough good things about the care that Fraser Health sent me this past winter.”

Sharon Blythe: “I have had NO problem in getting an appointment to get the latest Cortisone shot in my knee at the Chilliwack hospital' Dr. Pereira is a 'gem' !! When I broke my hip in 2023 and ended up in the Hope Fraser Canyon Hospital I got the best of care before & after returning to Hope after having surgery at the Chilliwack Hospital.”

Marc E. Waddell: “I had significant surgery in November of 2023 with a follow up procedure in April of this year. My experience at the hospital was quite good, and Dr. Astanehe was excellent in all regards. I am very grateful for the support and professionalism showed me.

“I also have a great deal of satisfaction with my GP, Dr. Tran as well as Dr. Heywood Choi. They and their office staff persons respectively have been excellent.

“However, due to a fall last June, I broke a toe and had to spend time at Emerg and follow ups later. Again, the hospital’s radiology team was excellent as was Dr. Day. What wasn’t so nice was a follow up to my ECG with Dr. Gill who seemed to take the proper approach medically, but who has poor office demeanor and accused me of being deceptive about a personal behavior. I resented his tone and disbelief. So his treatment and dismissive tone spoiled my experience with him.”

Marcia: “In 2021 I spent 3 weeks in the Abbotsford Hospital waiting to get transferred to St. Paul's where I needed open heart surgery. The nurses (both male and female) were amazing. Dr. Bains is my cardiologist and I have total confidence in him. My surgery was Oct. 21. In December I had a TIA (stroke) and again the staff was fantastic. By January I was back in the hospital on a daily basis trying to get over an infection in my heart. I find if you are kind to the nurses, they in turn will be kind to you. I never had any issues with Fraser Valley's health care system.”

Nicole Smith: “My family doctor, Dr. Carol Pomeroy, listened when I was worried about my new baby’s health issues and reflux. I had been dismissed by every doctor at the Mission maternity clinic when I brought up my concerns (before it closed). Dr. Pomeroy listened to me, worked with a pediatrician to develop a plan, and my baby was able to improve because she listened to me and took me seriously.”

Krista Winnig: “My positive experience in health care is with registered massage therapy. It sometimes gets overlooked as part of healthcare but most things pro active do. I’m a registered massage therapist in the marble hill area of Chilliwack. My patients make me smile every time they come in. Whether I am being treated or treating a patient massage helps me feel grounded, relaxed, and balanced. I have seen many registered massage therapists in the Fraser valley and each one helps me in a different way. If everyone included massage therapy as part of their regular healthcare routine, I think it might ease the burden on our doctors and nurses. - go get a massage.”

Donald White: “I have been to the Abbotsford Hospital several times over the last 4-5 years with cancer treatment and also a heart problem and other therapies, and I have not had one bad experience, all the Drs and especially the nursing staff were very helpful and always a big smile. I must say a BIG THANK YOU to all the medical staff and also the hospital staff who never seem to get any recognition at all.”

Irene McGuinness: “My answer is too long to write. This has been my year where I have especially needed to tap into the health care system and the care provided was exemplary. I am into 14 years with breast cancer, now metastatic, and I live in Mission. In early January I had a liver resection at VGH as that is where my medical records are. Well into recovery I inadvertently developed Strep A blood infection in February. Hospital overnight stays were my first.

“For many years I have had monthly blood work (Mission and Abbotsford), cancer surgeries (BCCA), carefully prescribed medications (BCCA and Abbotsford and Heritage Park), and kind, kind, kind care. I have been so grateful for all the treatment each step of the way. The medical professionals work so hard and under such extenuating circumstances. Last week I was returned to the chemo chair for a double header. This will be my regular routine again every three weeks for however long. Until a better cure is discovered.

“Last spring I wrote two letters to the health board with my thankfulness. (I’d like to include.) I am so amazed with how well our system works, the exorbitant costs to run, and I don’t have to pay anything. If everyone saw a tab of their medical bills, I think they would have heart failure.

“A further note, I bring the staff granola bars and fruit. It made them smile. Then was informed by the nursing staff that my oncologist has pizza delivered to them once a month at their stations. Kindness in both directions go a long, long way.

“My husband and I still work. I am a food writer and food stylist. We rent a little house in Mission. We are grateful.”

Elinor Hanschke: “My Sept long weekend ended abruptly when I broke my ankle. I was taken to the hospital in Hope, where I received excellent care. The staff were empathetic and kind. The woman interacting with all of us in the waiting room was a saint. She was attentive and helpful, bringing me ice for my ankle, water to drink and words of encouragement. I enjoyed watching her sincerely care for all the patients in the waiting room.

“The X-ray tech was humorous which helped make a bad day better. She told me I had out done myself, and that my trimaleolar fracture was worse than my son’s, who had broken his fibula in three places in the spring.

“In the trauma room of the ER I met the doctor and the nurse, where I was given stronger pain meds than the extra strength Tylenol and Advil that I had drugged myself up on. I learned that I had broken both my tibia and fibula and that my foot was dislocated. The doctor was planning to reset my foot and cast it before sending me home with a referral to a surgeon. She called in another doctor to help her, and under sedation and ketamine I was sent on my first psychedelic trip, grateful to not feel a thing as my foot was put back where it belonged! They were professional, attentive, reassuring and encouraging. I’m grateful for the help I received, and I’m more than willing to give a shout out to a small town hospital on the eastern edge of the Fraser Valley!”

Rewind: “Abbotsford Hospital/radical prostrate removal/Dr Vrebec and staff were great, Dr V got me scheduled in for operation in a timely manner /// Second experience went to Chilliwack Hospital Emergency and was in/out within two hours Dr was very good”

Brent: “I want to thank Langley Hospital and their staff and physicians! In 2015 I nearly died from a stubborn case of blood borne Sepsis. I was failing faster than they could culture the bacteria so they simply used everything in their antibiotic war chest and it worked! I was not expected to live and my wife was told to put any affairs in order and yet within 24 hours the drugs did their work and I was able to leave the hospital a week later...vertical! Thank you!”

Meghan LaCoste: “Just last week, my son had a 24 hour test for his epilepsy at Children’s Hospital. We were assigned to stay at the Acute Rehab Unit which is a wing of the hospital that I was not familiar with but one that I was so encouraged to learn exists. It is clearly set up to help support families who require longer stays and had everything from a family kitchen to a laundry facility. There was gym equipment, games rooms and a beautiful rooftop patio surrounded by gardens with cheery flowers and edible options. Every element of it felt warm and generous from the note on the fridge to help myself to strawberries from the garden to the invite to come to activity evenings in the games room. The freezer was loaded with hearty soups donated by a local synagogue and I could sign Xbox and switch games to bring back to my son’s room. However by far, the standout was the wonderful staff. They truly went out of their way to make everyone feel like they could make themselves at home. I am grateful that we only needed a short stay, but I am so encouraged to know that this facility exists for families from the Fraser valley and beyond if they should need it.”