Letters to the Editor
THE SIOUX LOOKOUT ER IS BROKEN
The ER in Sioux Lookout is broken. If you’ve ever had the misfortune of visiting the Meno Ya Win Health Centre’s emergency room, you will know this all too well. While we are incredibly fortunate to have a world-class healthcare facility in our community, with exceptional surgical staff and state-of-the-art medical imaging, the Emergency Department tells a very different story.
Plagued by staff shortages, long wait times, and inadequate care, the ER has become a source of frustration and anxiety for residents. The root of the problem lies in its heavy reliance on locum doctors—physicians who fly in from large urban centers, often with little understanding of or connection to our community. These doctors, while qualified, are frequently disengaged, perceiving many of the cases they see as trivial. They don’t realize—or perhaps don’t care—that our limited access to clinic appointments forces us to the ER for care we would gladly receive elsewhere if it were available.
My family has experienced this breakdown in care firsthand. Years ago, I went to the ER multiple times with severe stomach pain, only to be dismissed with painkillers and reassurances. Weeks later, my appendix ruptured, requiring emergency surgery. It was an ordeal that could have been avoided had my symptoms been taken seriously. One of the doctors even falsely documented that I had refused imaging, when in reality, I was told imaging should be arranged through my family doctor—a process that was impossible to expedite.
Just recently, I brought my son to the ER with pain near his appendix. Given my own history, I was especially worried. We waited over four hours while patients with minor complaints, such as a sore foot, were seen first—even though they arrived after us. The only communication occurred after I asked how much longer it would be, and each time, we were told, “You’re next.” Yet, 45 minutes later, we saw the doctor treating the person with the sore foot. Feeling neglected and dismissed, we left without answers.
This is not the care our community deserves, especially not in a facility as remarkable as Meno Ya Win. The surgical staff and imaging departments are outstanding because the people who work there are part of our community. They are our neighbors and friends. They care because they live here. The same cannot be said for locum doctors, who lack the connection and accountability that come from being part of a community like ours.
We need a better solution. Increasing the number of nurse practitioners (NPs) would be a practical and impactful step. Nurse practitioners are highly skilled, capable of handling a wide range of healthcare needs, and more likely to build long-term relationships in smaller communities. Collaborating with universities like Lakehead in Thunder Bay to train and recruit nurse practitioners and qualified nurses could provide a sustainable solution to address the gaps in our system.
It’s time to acknowledge the strain on our ER and the inadequacy of relying on external locum doctors as a stopgap. Let’s work toward solutions that prioritize continuity, connection, and care—solutions that ensure every resident of Sioux Lookout and our Northern communities has access to the timely, compassionate healthcare they deserve.
I encourage anyone who has had these kinds of experiences at the ER to write to the Bulletin or contact our Member of Provincial Parliament, Sol Mamakwa, at [email protected], to voice your frustrations. We are not receiving proper healthcare, and the end result will affect the well-being of our entire community.
I care about my family, and I care about my community. We demanded better.
Sincerely,
Keith Atwood
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