Thread by @klsymcld

Plea from an AB doctor:
@shandro @jkenney @AB_MD_WarRoom @GoAHealth @Albertadoctors
my first tweet in close to a decade is a desperate plea.

I am an emergency doctor in Calgary and am writing because I am tired, frustrated, disheartened, and sad.

The COVID-19 pandemic is worsening yet significant portions of our time & mental energy has to be put towards arguments with the UCP. In times of crisis, the government should support front line workers but instead we are feeling devalued, unappreciated, & emotionally drained.

To the government:
In this acute crisis, I am begging you to please put the proposed billing changes on hold indefinitely. Please do not delay them – it is possible COVID will be an ongoing issue – and we will again be in this same spot.

On April 1, I don't want to dedicate hours at the hospital trying to figure out new billing codes or what is no longer allowed. Please let me dedicate my emotional labour to taking care of my patients, my family, and myself. You can make an impact in the mental health of many MDs

To the public:
I know you are scared – we are too. Information is power in times like these. Educate yourselves using alberta.ca/coronavirus-in… Be smart and diligent – wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, if you don’t feel well – stay home.

Many health care workers too are cancelling plans, not because we fear getting Corona virus but because the consequence of us passing it to someone could be devastating and if we need to quarantine, this burden is passed on to our coworkers, their families, and the health system.

So please be patient. Everywhere and everyone is overwhelmed. You have no idea how much your kindness and understanding is appreciated.

To Health Care Workers:
What you do is incredibly important. You are there for people when they are at vulnerable points in their lives and you show up, treating them with compassion and kindness. We are stronger together.

Take pride in having a buddy for donning and doffing PPE, try to go out of your way to let someone know when they are doing something well, and check in with your coworkers to make sure they are coping with all the chaos. I am so appreciative of the work you do.

To my fellow MDs:
When compared to the general population, the rate of physician suicide is almost doubled. We are at risk and with these additional stresses, we are vulnerable. Be kind to yourself.

If you are suffering, please reach out. If you are worried about a colleague, speak with them. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but of resiliency and strength. Contact the PFSP (albertadoctors.org/services/pfsp or 1-877-767-4637), use a peer support team, or talk to someone.

We need to look out for each other. Do not suffer alone. You are valuable, you matter, and we need you.

#ABdocs4patients #abhealth #AbLeg #abpoli #covid19Canada

TL;DR
UCP: Please put the proposed billing changes on hold.
Public: Be rational, be diligent, & be patient.
Heath care workers: Be kind to each other and persevere.
MDs: Be kind to yourselves. Reach out for help if you need it. Reach out to colleagues who might be struggling.