To Tempo 

The article by Ms. Susan Jacques concerning Dr. Roper’s departure from the Knowlton Medical Clinic in your December issue ends with the assertion that “By comparison with other areas, we are still well-served by our medical staff.” 

I worry that what may have been a well-intended attempt to end the article on a positive note will be perceived, by some, as being insensitive to reality. 

I agree we are blessed with a team of dedicated healthcare providers who regularly go far beyond expectations to deliver as much high-quality care as possible – within the constraints of our healthcare system. Needless to say, the home team must be reeling from the loss of 20% of its already overextended physician component. 

On the consumer side of the equation, we must not lose sight of the fact that our health- care system suffers from severe accessibility limitations. There are many people in our area who do not have access to a family doctor, and have been on the so-called orphan’s waiting list since well before the pandemic. The notion that our area is perhaps doing better than other jurisdictions can be of little or no comfort to a young mother of a two-year-old who is still waiting to have a first routine infancy check-up. 

As for messaging governments, I reckon it is just wrong and potentially self-defeating for us plebes, and/or local media, to signal satisfaction with the status quo. 

But, undeniably, this is the time of year when we should strive to be positive, and have faith that things will get better soon. I just can’t wait for the day when all of us will be able to say “I’m all right, Jacques!” (Sorry, couldn’t resist the pun). 

John Taylor Knowlton