What Do Canadians Get for Their Tax Dollars?

The view from the cafeteria at North York Hospital

In Canada, we pay our government income tax every time we get paid. Many of us complain about the amount of dollars deducted and the large percentage of money taken from us.

A recent experience taught me this - our tax dollars are put into excellent use for Canadians by our government. I am happy to pay the taxes!

A concert in the atrium of the Steinberg Tower at  North York Hospital

Last week, Y., a close family member of mine was admitted into the North York General Hospital in Toronto. I was with him and the following was the treatment he received within 24 hours after admitted into the hospital.

1. 10:30 a.m. - We had a meeting with the specialist and the nurse assigned to look after Y. The doctor  explained his diagnose, treatment plan plus the prescribed medications to us.  He explained clearly to the patient about the treatment plan and what he would do:                                                                                                 
2. Phase 1 – getting well       Phase 2 – stays well

A decorated fridge in the patients' dining room

2. 2:30 p.m. – Y. was taken down for an ultra sound of his stomach – He had to drink four cups of water starting at 1:30p.m.  A porter came and took Y. down for the ultrasound. As he was waiting, he was feeling very uncomfortable as his bladder was filling up  I went and told the nurse about it. The nurse understood his situation and treated him very gently and patiently. Y was so happy as he described the whole experience: " Since I have been admitted, the nurse and everyone has been so nice to me.I feel like being treated like a king!”

3. 3:15 p.m. - After the ultra sound examination, Y was taken for a chest X ray right across from the ultra sound dept. to find out the other medical issue he was experiencing.
4. 4:00 p.m. - I accompanied Y. back to his floor where the hospital dietitian was waiting to see him. Y. was so happy! That was what we were talking about as he has lost almost twelve lbs in the past 4 weeks!

Christmas tree decorated with crafts made by patients

5.The hospital dietitian met Y. in his room and gave him an extensive consultation explaining to him what he should eat and to avoid based on his current health condition. She cleared a lot of his worries and myths Y. has learned previously.

 Recommendations from the dietitian:

A.  6 cups of liquid a day, any liquid counts, 1 cup with each meal and I cup in between meals, that would be 6 cups.

B.  Can eat anything with higher calories.

C.  Food to avoid or watch out for  – peppermint, chocolate, citrus juices, onions, garlic and tomato products

D. Y.'s ideal body wt should be between 68 - 72 kgs.

6. Besides the above special care provided by various specialists, Y's blood pressure was taken three times a day and his daily blood tests were closely monitored.

Can you imagine how much all these special tests and care provided by a team of medical staff would cost?

Recently a Canadian couple flew to Hawaii for a vacation. The woman was six month pregnant and the baby was born prematurely while she was on holiday. After they came back to Canada, the couple received a hospital bill totaled more than $950,000.00!

We feel so fortunate to be Canadians receiving universal health care! Never would we complain about paying for taxes again after learning what we get for our tax dollars from our hospital when we are sick!

R.T.
Toronto