Even though Ann Reynar will continue to wait for chemotherapy at the Cross Cancer Institute to treat her stage four colon cancer; she says she feels a little better now that Alberta Health Services finally apologized for the situation.

Ann's husband Wave Reynar says Alberta Health Services called the couple this weekend apologizing for the fact that she likely won't receive chemotherapy. A staff shortage at the Cross Cancer Institute has left doctors only giving treatment to priority patients and Ann's three month prognosis puts her low on the priority list.

Apologies are not known to be as effective as chemotherapy, however, and some are demanding change:

Alberta MLA Hugh MacDonald says the situation should not be tolerated.

"We are now forcing doctors to pick and choose who received cancer treatment and that's totally wrong," said MacDonald.

Why is the situation so critical that Alberta is rationing care?

Officials with Alberta Health Services say the situation could get worse. Five out of 20 oncologists in Alberta are expected to retire shortly and only 15 oncologists are trained in Canada every year.

Dr. Tony Field with Alberta Health Serices says this pinch will be felt across North America, not just in Alberta. He says staff will work to connect with patients on the waiting list this week.

Hmmm...North America. Especially when Canada's neighbor to the south is ready to accept a system leading straight to the catastrophe of the north.

AHS apologizes to cancer patient waiting for treatment

Labels: Health, Political Observation