Doctor: Government policy causing amputations

VICTORIA - A British Columbia doctor's revelation that people are having their toes, feet and legs amputated due to a government policy has the B.C. Liberals in damage control.

One day after an /A\ News investigation uncovered the policy change; the Health Ministry says it is reviewing the policy.

/A\ News first introduced viewers to Melissa Matthews, a 24 year old woman who lives with a severe mental and physical disability yesterday.

Her mother says she needs orthotics, shoe inserts that help her to walk.

But after years of supplying the orthopaedic devices, the B.C. Government stopped paying; except when there was a risk of the patient having their feet amputated.

Since we first broke the story, Melissa's mother heard from many other parents; all fighting the same battle.

"I lot of the mums and dads that I know are burnt out and frustrated", says Colleen Matthews "And they are waving the white flag and almost giving up because they don't know who to turn to anymore".

A Vancouver doctor is now coming forward saying the policy is actually responsible for her patients having their toes, feet and legs amputated.

"It makes me sick. It's horrible", Dr. Tammy Gracen told reporters Friday morning "It's not just the amputations, but the ones in pain; the children particularly".

The Vancouver podiatrist joined MLAs Jenny Kwan and Mike Farnworth as the NDP called for the government to reverse its policy.

Farnworth says it costs the health care system more, "An amputation is around $10 thousand. A major intervention on the foot is around $10 thousand."

The NDP says the cuts for Melissa and other people living with disabilities are harmful to their future health.

When /A\ News began asking questions about the policy, Melissa's mother received a call from the Director of the Health Assistance Branch.

"He said, 'You don't know me', and I said 'Yes sir, I do know who you are. I tried calling several times, but your staff would not put me through'. But, we will talk on Monday".

That may be the first conversation the Government is having on the issue.

Dr. Gracen says podiatrists were never consulted on the issue, a policy change that is making it very difficult to treat patients.

"To actually look at somebody in the eye and say I know it hurts, I could prevent it, but we don't have the funding...", the doctor's voice trails off "Sometimes I do it out of my own pocket because I can't stand it. It's too hard to look at".

Colleen Matthews says she's not prepared for that to go on any longer.

"I want the government to rescind its decision".

Minister of Health, Mike de Jong says he is prepared to look into this issue to ensure that low income adults are able to access orthotics when it is medically necessary.

He says he is concerned that the change in policy within the Ministry of Social Development could be placing more costs on the Health Ministry.

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News & Politics

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• /A\ News Vancouver Island
• Victoria
• Amputations
• Feet
• Orthotics
• Government
• Policy
• Podiatrist
• Patients
• Change
• Stephen Andrew