Vacation woes

“It was an experience I wouldn't wish on anyone!”

Doreen Johnson retired in 1990 as director of nutrition services at Brantford General Hospital. Recently, relaxing on her sofa and recovering from her summer trip to Europe, Doreen spoke about the journey she and her friends took.

First, before Doreen talked about her Italian experience she reminisced fondly about her days at Brantford General.

“After attending the University of Manitoba I came to Toronto for an internship and remained for 3 years,” she explained. “In 1954 I was offered a position at Brantford General. Things were certainly very different back then. We had to fire up stoves at 4:30 each morning to prepare breakfast for patients.”

Since retiring traveling has become Doreen's hobby. “I have been to every continent except Antarctica. But this summer's trip was a nightmare. I blacked out while boarding a train in England. I fell and hit my arm against a luggage rack so they took me to an inner-city hospital in London where they treated me for a broken arm.

The time came for the Doreen and her friends to go on to Tuscany- and Doreen was in for another surprise.

“One day we were out for a walk and I blacked out again,” she said. “We called the insurance company and they instructed me to go to a hospital and have x-rays and blood and urine tests. If anything else was required we were to contact the insurance company. At the hospital emergency department we waited forever. They diagnosed a fractured pelvis and I was admitted.”

Doreen remained at this hospital for 9 days. Having difficulty contacting the insurance company her friends turned to the Canadian embassy who called Doreen each day while she was hospitalized. “This was great because nobody in the hospital spoke English and my friends had to return to Canada. The hospital food left something to be desired and other than routine blood pressure checks nobody really treated me.”

Eventually, the insurance company transferred Doreen to a hospital in Rome. “It was heaven!”

They treated Doreen for 2 weeks and conducted more x-rays and arranged daily physiotherapy. Doreen said they “did every test imaginable except a CT scan.” The insurance company wanted the physicians to fax further information to them so they could make arrangements for Doreen to be returned to Brantford General for further treatment and care. Throughout this period Carol Droeskie, one of Doreen's friends in Brantford, called her every day and even arranged for other friends in Brantford to come on the phone.

As part of the process, Brantford General contacted the hospital in Rome to discuss Doreen's case and provided a hospital translator to help converse with the Italian caregivers. When plans were finalized for Doreen to be transferred back home, a friend flew over to Italy to be with Doreen; but as luck would have it, there were difficulties boarding the plane. The medical escort provided by the insurance company intervened and soon the three of them were on board.

In Toronto, Doreen was met at the airport by an ambulance that transferred her to the BGH where she remained for another week. “Dr. Gregoire ordered many tests including the CT scan. The care was very good.”

Since the end of July, Doreen has been recuperating at home. When asked about future trips she replies quickly- “Heavens no! I haven't planned anything.”

Gary Chalk is senior executive director- public affairs & development for the Brant Community Healthcare System. Brantford General is a regional health care centre providing primary care, emergency and specialized services. The Willett, Paris is a multi-service health centre providing urgent care, primary and community outreach programs.