The Editor:
My family has several reasons to be thankful to PeaceHealth St. Joe’s. Dr. James Douglas and Dr. Don McAfee are two of them.
My dad had congenital heart defects but that didn’t stop him from having a life well lived. Eventually, however, he needed two emergency heart surgeries in a matter of three weeks, which Dr. Douglas skillfully performed.
Dr. McAfee, as my dad’s cardiologist, respected his decision to avoid any future heart surgeries. My parents referred to Dr. McAfee as providing “one-man palliative care.” It worked so well that he was never admitted to the hospital for his congestive heart failure, which is very unusual.
My mom, as a caregiver, delved into the benefits of palliative care. After my dad died, she went full tilt to raise awareness about advance care planning and to encourage PeaceHealth to launch community-based palliative care.
She and many others in Whatcom County worked relentlessly to advocate for outpatient palliative care, successfully. Or so they thought.
I was shocked when she told me PeaceHealth management shut down its outpatient services on this compassionate care model effective May 26.
How can a hospital group – that claims to treat humans with patient-centric, personalized care – justify that decision?
When our dog, Panda, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, my husband and I were fortunate that a palliative care veterinarian was available to help us. He came right to our home. Veterinarians even send cards of comfort and support when a pet dies.
I hope for all the human patients in Whatcom County, PeaceHealth management will have a change of heart.
Kristin Jackson
Waynesville, North Carolina
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