letter from Minister of Health

I received an answer from the Minister of Health today regarding an email I had sent about having the WLS program criteria broadened . I did learn that  the original criteria was put in place by the surgeons for the first 100 patients and again they hope to open this criteria to include more people. She also went on to say that the surgeons, WRHA and the government would like to see this program expand but of course the bottom line is dollars and how to best spend Health dollars to benefit the most people.

I would think that they must have done 100 surgeries by now so i hope they open the criteria soon.

Karen

Wow! That is great that they responded to you!

Thank-you on behalf of so many still waiting .

It's just too bad they can't open the criteria and speed things up so more of us could get the help we want.

I think the government doesn't realize how offering this surgery could help lessen the load on the healthcare system(and dollars) as we regain our health.

I was going to email the representative from Portage La Prairie but I'm not sure who it is as the current guy I'm sure has retired. Maybe we should all email our local government reps.

Karen

Thank you for writing to the Health Minister.  She is actually the MLA in my area and was actually my high school English teacher before she turned to politics.  Seems like a lifetime ago.  Over the years she has come to my door many times........Since I don't know the whole background etc. if someone can provide me with more information I would be happy to give her a call or maybe even stop by her office since I drive by on my way to and from work everyday.   I'm sure with the election in October she will be at my door as well.  

I think the general issues are that the criteria needs to be broadened to help more people and there needs to be more funding (staffing?) so  more surgeries can be done. I just think that when the surgery is offered in province then why do I have to apply out of province and deal with all the inconveniences of being away from home. Someone else on the site maybe able to add more information for you.

I was thinking the same thing that this could be an election issue if the right people pick up the fight. Wouldn't that be wonderful is everyone that applies could be accepted and not wait 10 years like that lady in the paper.

thanks, Karen

My BMI was 1 point over the criteria so I had to go to Medicine Hat to have mine done:(.