RKS Poetry

The Current State of Canadian Healthcare

Oh federal and provincial governments you had warnings about a healthcare system on the brink
But you wanted to avoid an electoral stink
about brazen governmental deficits
so make the cuts and let the health care system hit the pits
not to mention the deregulation and lax enforcement concerning long term care
have you forgotten there are real people living there
in effect welcoming the COVID massacre and imprisonment of residents
now its CYA and pointing the fingers
very astute Ontario limiting salary increases to nurses to 1% a year for three years
incompetence and lack of foresight enough to bring tears
a warm sincere and caring welcome to your beloved (or so you say) front line heroes

ER wards closing
A shortage of nurses
personal visit replaced by virtual visits to a physician assuming you have one
waiting lists to get on the waiting list
cancelled surgeries
ultrasounds supposedly ordinarily taking two weeks but 9 weeks later not a peep
resulting deadly delays make my skin creep
people dying in hospital hallways
by God we have seen better days
the only thing dear politicians you understand and fear is election day
where you’ll be sent packing on your way
to enjoy your most generous pension and be placed in a good mood
while seniors eat cat food

Robert K. Stephen