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Canada has fewer ICU beds compared to many other countries in the world. That would explain in part why cancer treatments and hospital surgeries have been put on hold. But recovery from major surgery, for example, is not even a one-day hospital event anymore and patients are now being transferred to group homes due to bed shortages. But an aging population requiring more complex care will only add to the problem of accommodation and space. Governments have ignored the health-care system's crisis, cutting corners at the same time. Yet at the height of the pandemic, China responded to COVID-19 and built a 1,000-bed hospital in a week. Canada justified cancelling surgeries, blaming COVID-19 patients for occupying hospital beds. Why not invest in more hospitals, for instance, to alleviate some of the problems? It’s not that we don’t have the space. If the redevelopment of Eastgate Square and surrounding area, for example is being considered for 9,000 housing units, with no problem, it seems we can accommodate a hospital setting with a dialysis wing, (maybe where Sears once stood), with no problem too, only if our governments and politicians can see past their noses.
The Sackville Caring Hearts Knitters would like to thank the Hamilton Mountain News and all the wonderful people who took the time to donate all the beautiful wool for our handmade items to be donated to St. Martin’s Manor, Interval House of Hamilton, the Salvation Army and other agencies.
It is very much appreciated. We have already started to create some wonderful things for those in need. It gives us great joy to do this.
Pat Court on behalf of the Caring Hearts group
Re: Helen Detwiler Elementary School
I'm writing in an effort to have the Hamilton public school board take some interest in the facilities they control. During the past three school years, there has been little or no use of these buildings, yet they have maintained a full-time maintenance staff. There can only be so many times you can dust the desks or sweep the floors. My problem is with the outside school grounds. I invite you to just take a drive around the school and see for yourself just how rundown this property is. The daycare play area is overrun with weeds, the grass is destroyed and it’s not any place you would want your kids to play. The driveway is crumbling with broken curbs and the schoolyard asphalt area is worn out. The chain link fencing is rusting and falling down. I could go on and on, but I think you get my point.
No time in the past three years have I seen any reduction in my public school taxes. One just has to take a look at the adjoining school, St. Marguerite d'Youville Catholic Elementary School, to see how a school should be maintained.
OK little boys, tell me your goal in screeching up and down streets day and night, risking your life and others, while polluting the environment. The cacophony of sound from roaring engines and blaring sound systems not only scares kids and pets, but disturbs those who are sleeping or trying to enjoy the summer. If your purpose is to flex your metal muscles, be careful, you may end up kissing the bars of a jail cell or worse!
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