Elsie Hampton
Dear editor:
I am writing with regard to recent changes made to the Northwestern Health Unit’s audiology program.
In the April 15, 2009 edition of the Fort Frances Times, an ad from the Northwestern Health Unit stated: “On May 15, 2009, the Northwestern Health Unit will discontinue hearing testing and dispensing of hearing aids of persons 18 years of age and older.”
As a senior citizen who has relied on the services provided by the Northwestern Health Unit, I am disappointed and appalled by the recent decision. When I attended the local health unit office recently to obtain supplies for my hearing aids, I was told there were no services available and given a form to transfer my file.
Seniors, in particular, face a number of challenges in their efforts to receive services and maintain their independence. Why is the NWHU willing to provide service for children but not seniors? Isn’t this discrimination?
Will seniors be forced to incur the additional costs of travel out of town to obtain these services?
In a press release from the NWHU dated Feb. 23, 2009, Donna Cutler, director of Health Promotion, noted: “It is with regret that we are unable to continue to provide this service to our clients. We will work with and support the Canadian Hearing Society and private practitioners in the region to ensure client services continue.”
Is it possible that Ms. Cutler is completely out of touch with the fact that Canadian Hearing Society offices in local communities have closed recently and services only are available through its Kenora office.
Mark Perrault, chief administrative officer for the NWHU, stated that this was not an easy decision. “Client needs were certainly paramount when considering the consequences of divesting the program,” he had said.
I, personally, fail to see how client needs were paramount when the decision taken by the board leaves seniors with few options, and increases the time and cost to obtain services which were available in our own communities.
The loss of these services creates additional barriers for seniors, who are by the NWHU’s own statement (Role of Public Health) are further disadvantaged due to such factors such as “level of income, social status, education, employment opportunities, workplace environment, physical environment, and family/friend supports.”
In reflecting on the role of public health and the recent decision taken by the board of health to discontinue hearing services to seniors, I can only conclude that the Northwestern Health Unit is not fulfilling its mandate to improve health for all members of society.
What a disappointment for area seniors.
(Signed),
Elsie Hampton
Senior citizen
