A group of health care professionals is urging Manitoba Health to take action to rescue a “failing system” that’s having a devastating impact on the public during the COVID-19 pandemic..They sent a letter to Manitoba Health asking it to reverse course on some COVID-19 policies and include more options for health care now being provided with sometimes negative consequences..They’re asking Manitoba Health to not force COVID-19 vaccines on children; properly recognize that both vaccinated and unvaccinated transmit the virus; stop punishing physicians offering medical vaccine exemptions; stop stigmatizing the unvaccinated; start being honest about possible adverse cardiac vaccine reactions; recognize natural immunity; allow outpatient treatment for COVID-19 patients; and address the ICU and emergency capacity shortage..“We hope Public Health will carefully consider many of the well-addressed points to help troubleshoot what may be a challenging winter in the midst of an ongoing pandemic combined with a backlog of surgical waiting lists,” states a letter from health care workers..The Omicron variant’s impact remains unknown. Manitoba’s surgery and diagnostic test backlog stands at 152,000..“We understand that physicians, nurses and allied health staff have been working tirelessly through this pandemic in an already exhausted health care system. We are encouraging a more open and dynamic discussion on solutions that will help serve the community, respect individual rights and freedoms and maintain democratic principles.”.The group insists its intent isn’t “malicious,” but doesn’t trust Manitoba Health to afford that same courtesy. To avoid punishment and save their jobs, they’ve asked for anonymity..“Our group is a fraction of the health care professionals who have concerns,” one worker told Western Standard. “Our aim is to create awareness that everyone isn’t in agreement with the health measures being taken.”.They want Manitoba Health to acknowledge its narrow approach —containment and vaccination — isn’t enough..The letter lists studies by medical experts to support its recommendations..“People are hyper-focused, including public health, on vaccinating our way out of this pandemic. We need a more dynamic approach. They’re looking at vaccines and that’s it. I won’t say anything bad about the vaccines. They’ve offered help. But the effectiveness is starting to wane,” said the worker..Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin admitted that efficacy is waning yet urged Manitobans to get vaccinated and booster shots Wednesday..“People ask ‘If we have such a strong vaccine, why aren’t things getting better?’ Many health care workers don’t want a booster. They’ve had two doses. I’ve had two. I didn’t sign up for eight,” the worker said..Adverse reactions are occurring. .“Everyone is pro-vaccine. There’s a stigma around talking about the vaccine. I’m concerned about under-reporting of vaccine reactions, or the possibility of reactions. Physicians are hesitant to report. They’re afraid it’ll cause hesitancy to get vaccinated in the general population,” said the worker..Reactions include extreme and lingering fatigue, temporary paralysis, and “cardiac changes.” .The unvaccinated needing medical care are held in contempt..“In the workplace, there are people who don’t think unvaccinated people have the right to get treated in hospital. We’ve never dehumanized people based on their decisions and placed judgment on whether they deserve medical care,” said another worker..“It’s something that I’ve never seen before in my health career … such a lack of tolerance.”.They’re also concerned people diagnosed with COVID-19 are deprived of out-patient treatment..“Generally, people will be told to go home and isolate. Sometimes they’re offered an antibiotic, but that’s pretty much it,” said one health worker..Primary health care providers are directed not to treat outpatients, said another worker..“There aren’t early treatment options available in Manitoba. That’s hurting people, especially people who are alone, the elderly. They’re diagnosed with COVID-19 and told to go home and isolate. Family members can’t help them get well. That’s a terrifying place to be,” said the worker..“They’re directed to the emergency room if they have symptoms like their lips turn blue, can’t breathe, have chest pains. Doctors that have done a lot of work with early treatment suggest it’s hard to treat them at this point.”.Early treatment options are available for viral illnesses, but not COVID-19..The group also claims Manitoba isn’t doing enough to address staffing shortages for a growing population. .“Summer saw crucial staff shortages. We knew come fall or winter we’d have a disaster. Here we are. COVID-19 is starting to rise again,” said a worker..These are some of the recommendations to Manitoba Health:.Transmission: When making COVID-19-related public health recommendations, please now recognize the evidence accumulating that both vaccinated and unvaccinated have the potential to transmit COVID-19. .Vaccine mandates and children: Healthy children have an extremely low risk of severe disease from COVID-19. As the possibility of adverse events from COVID-19 is a real concern for some people and the vaccine side effects are sometimes overwhelming, parents should reserve the right to make individualized risk-benefit decisions in conjunction with their physician without interference of the provincial government. .Exemptions: Physicians are given very narrow criteria by public health for what may be considered a valid COVID-19 vaccine exemption. It has also become evident as of recent that some physicians are being stigmatized for offering medical exemptions. .Segregating the population: We should be working to prevent segregating our communities and to help prevent stigmatization of unvaccinated people. .Multi-dimensional approach: Vaccine uptake has been good, however, we are still having issues with ICU’s and hospitals being overwhelmed in peak seasons. Why are we not offering any outpatient treatment to try and offload hospitals? An independent, early treatment task force would be extremely useful..The group expressed support for a recent letter written by Dr. Dan Roberts, who called on Manitoba to reduce the strain on intensive care units resulting from COVID-19..Slobodian is the Senior Manitoba Columnist for the Western Standard.lslobodian@westernstandardonline.com
