Case Study: Shona Holmes

Earlier this week, someone sent me this IBD Editorial.

TORONTO — My country promises everyone quality health care coverage that is free at the point of service and financed through taxes. But unfortunately for me and millions of Canadians, the actions of our government all too often belie that generous pledge.

Canada's cost-conscious, government-run system wasn't there for me when I needed it most. Even worse, it continues to overlook the most fundamental rule of health care — that patients ought to come first.

As America considers ways to reform its health care system, I hope that my experience reminds decision makers that more government intrusion in health care is a poison pill.

Since the emailer did not include a link to the editorial, I had to wait to research it. Well today I finally had a chance to search up Shona's story and what I found blew my mind. First here is Shona's story on the Mayo Clinic's website.

Shona Holmes was in trouble: The list of her symptoms included headaches, sleeplessness, dizziness, low libido and, worst of all, rapidly deteriorating vision. Her family doctor in Canada ordered an MRI, and a brain tumor was detected. But it would take months for her to get on the appointment calendar of a neurologist or endocrinologist in Canada.

"I knew in my gut that I had to see someone and could not wait five to six months," she says. So she called Mayo Clinic and got an appointment the same day.

For Holmes, a 31-year-old native of Waterdown, Ontario, traveling far from her husband, other family members and friends was difficult. She knew there would be several appointments and a battery of diagnostic tests. But she knew it had to be done. So, flying solo, she headed for Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Shona needed life saving brain surgery immediately. However, like her fellow countryman (and fellow OHIP member) Lindsay McCreith, Shona found out that the free health care she was promised came with life threatening strings. She was told that she could not see a specialist for at least six months...six months which, according to the Mayo Doctors, she didn't have the luxury of waiting for. Shona's doctors from the Mayo Clinic made calls to OHIP pleading for an exemption for Shona. They were unable to make any headway with the administrators of the plan. So Shona finally got on emergency appointment with a neurosurgeon and an endicronologist and they refused to accept the Mayo Clinic diagnosis. One of the Ontario "specialists" told Shona that she was simply suffering from migranes - even though she was going blind (as a result of pressure from the tumor on her optic nerve)!

Shona went back down to Scottsdale where she underwent successful surgery to remove the tumor. Since she has come home, Shona has started waging a new battle....a battle for health care options in Canada. She has even gone as far as to post (on You Tube) a video describing what she went through along with an interview that she did with an Ontario television station (starts at the 5:14 mark). Watch for the reaction of the female reporter when Shona tells her that what she did in going to the US for treatment was illegal!

Shona is working to make a positive change come out of her negative experience. It is an experience that all Americans (especially Minnesotans) should pay close attention to as this could some day be our fate as well.

Shona says it best when she says "free health care is great...if you can access it".