It is necessary to send a huge thank you to the high-calibre individuals working hard, and beautifully, to create seamless end-to-end care across the entire medical spectrum here in the Sea to Sky corridor, during these most challenging times.
On Opening Day, I experienced a significant clavicle break, and had my first touch point of care with Blackcomb Ski Patrol—big shoutout to the young paramedic who quickly assessed me and assured me a trip to the clinic was warranted, and to the more-experienced pro-patrol (Andrea Thomson) who offered to check out the “ditch” that took me down (regardless of the fact that it was my choice to cross the boundary line).
Then, at the Whistler Health Care Centre’s [emergency room], I was immediately in the hands of a caring triage nurse, then on to Dr. Clark Lewis—who quickly assessed and diagnosed me, with the utmost of care and professionalism. He pulled in the orthopaedic surgeon who happened to be down the hall that day, Dr. Sarah Clark, who immediately squeezed me in for next-day surgery (with a pointy bone threatening to break through the skin), which she executed perfectly given the many broken bone bits she had to work with.
Next, the kind, caring nurse and physio team helped me on my way, and off I went for surgery at the COVID-19-free Squamish General Hospital the next day (a strategic COVID-19-free location amidst COVID-19 outbreaks at the Lions Gate Hospital).
Another amazing team in the operating room comprised of efficient, skilled nurses and a precise anaesthesiologist, along with a post-surgery recovery nurse who dealt with my nausea in as supportive and respectful a manner as one could.
Then post-surgery physiotherapy with Allison Megeney—a top-notch physiotherapist who didn’t hesitate to squeeze in my ongoing recovery.
[And there was the v]irtual visit with my primary care nurse practitioner in Pemberton, not to mention the ongoing graciousness of admitting clerks, X-ray technicians, and friendly janitors keeping the facilities COVID-19 safe.
All of these various elements gave me a sense of safety and confidence during this unusual time. I cannot share my gratitude enough for the seeming “ease” and quality of care that I was fortunate to experience with each and every professional I encountered at each step of my journey—I’m sorry I am not able to name all of you. Your service and integrity is deeply valued.
Without a doubt, we corridor residents are lucky to take for granted our top-calibre health professionals, who, in their respective areas of expertise, excel in their practises, and seamlessly link us across the entire spectrum of care.
While my initial reaction to my injury was shame and guilt to have taxed the system during this unprecedented time when our health professionals are working harder than ever, under more stress than ever, and beyond the call of duty, I now look back and feel entirely grateful for the good fortune of having these fine individuals within our community in my moment of need.
Words are not enough... thank you to every single person who works in the healthcare system!
Allison Twiss // Pemberton
