Regina MLA impressed by ‘tremendous care’ after ER visit

Trent Wotherspoon was hoping to spend the long weekend catching some rays and a fish or two. Instead, he’ll be spending time inside Regina General Hospital.

The NDP MLA for Regina Rosemont said he was brought to the emergency room around 2:30 a.m. Friday after struggling for more than a day with worsening abdominal pain. Wotherspoon said he must have arrived just in time, because he passed out shortly after getting to the ER. That made his time in the waiting room “fairly brief,” he said.

“My entry … certainly went very quick at that point,” he said.

While his own condition has yet to be diagnosed, and further testing is needed, Wotherspoon said he was struck by how incredible the care he received was.

“No one wants to go to the hospital, but when you need it, boy, it feels good to have that level of security,” he shared. “The team treated me in an amazing way, but were treating everyone in an amazing way.”

Calling the health care workers “heroes,” Wotherspoon said he received “tremendous care” from professionals that were tackling a heavy workload. Wotherspoon said health care workers are facing big, complex situations with “grace and efficiency” on a daily basis.

He praised their recognition of vulnerable patients who have experienced injustices and trauma. People coming into the ER sometimes in challenging situations, Wotherspoon said, adding that they need better social supports.

As for his own care, Wotherspoon said doctors have ruled out serious health issues like heart problems, cancerous masses or appendicitis. He said he doesn’t expect any serious health concerns to arise.

Wotherspoon said his visit was an important reminder that showed him the realities that Saskatchewan health care professionals are facing.

“My experience is just like many others, where they receive that exceptional care,” Wotherspoon said.

“It’s not exactly how we were looking forward to heading into the long weekend.”