Manitoba ICU Physician Writes Open Letter Aimed at Fixing “Flawed” Critical Care Services – Winnipeg | The Canadian News

A doctor from the Winnipeg Intensive Care Unit says intensive care services are failing with the healthcare system broken under the weight of COVID-19.

In an open letter to the government obtained by Global News, Dr. Dan Roberts questions recent government moves in its response to the pandemic and the management of healthcare.

Dr. Roberts is an intensive care physician at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Center.

“As we enter the second Christmas season since COVID emerged, it seems that those in authority have abandoned all reason and responsibility,” writes Dr. Roberts.

The letter is signed by eight other doctors.

The doctor outlined a series of steps to prevent what he calls “preventable deaths,” beginning with the need to strictly enforce public health orders.

• Public health orders must be strictly adhered to, with fines and closures if necessary, even in under-vaccinated communities.
• Vaccination of school-age children should be required if they are to continue to attend school in person. Clear medical exemptions should be allowed.
• Rapid Covid tests should be widely available to schools and businesses as in most other provinces.
• Holiday gatherings should be restricted to family members only.

Dr. Roberts says the second goal should be the restoration of diagnostic and surgical services, as well as clinical capacity in vital areas.

• Federal assistance in the form of armed forces ICU health personnel must be requested immediately to maintain the current ICU capacity.
• The redeployed staff should return to their surgery, outpatient care, and diagnostic services as soon as replacements are available.

“It is time for this government to stop making twists, admit its flaws, and show real concern for its citizens,” Dr. Roberts wrote.

“That first hope for democracy can only be realized when an informed and reasoned public remains vigilant and demands that those in power do their jobs.”

Global News has reached out to the office of Health Minister Audrey Gordon for comment.

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