A PERSON COULD DIE WAITING ON THE PHONE TO SPEAK TO A HUMAN BEING

 

Montreal, Quebec, Canada  - HEALTH CARE

 

I phoned at about noon. First I tried to reach my family physician at the community clinic.

 

I just got the answering machines.

 

Then I tried to reach my oncology nurse by phone. 

 

I just got the answering machine.

 

Then I tried 811, the Info Sante (health care) nurse.

 

I just got the answering machine.

 

Then I called the hospital oncology department and told the nurse who answered that I am having a pressing problem and I just need to talk to my oncology nurse - or to "someone".

 

She told me that my nurse is in the hospital and she would have her paged.

 

I left my phone line open for more than an hour and a half. And nothing.

 

A person could die waiting to talk to a human being.

 

No. I did not call 911. I don't need police or firefighters or an ambulance. I just need to talk to someone about a pressing health problem.

 

Meanwhile, I am treating myself by sharing these facts with anyone and everyone experiencing this difficult problem.

 

Press this button. Press that button. Just hold. Leave a message ....

 

Oh my gosh! I don't know why she didn't call for help.