- by Barbara A. Fletcher

To:  The "group of seven dedicated Grey-Bruce healthcare workers"  unidentified in their Letter to the Editor published in the Hanover Post, December 9th

First, I will qualify myself:
I'm an EPSW (Enhanced Personal Support Worker), as well as a certified Joint Health and Safety Representative, Co-chairing on two committees and serving on a third.

I've been a science and medical nerd ever since I can remember.
I have been following this pandemic since before it was confirmed last year, absorbing the science and following the guidelines and mandates as they have evolved for the protection of others, my patients, and myself.

I'm a home hospice worker.
For those who don't know what that means: when a loved one receives a life-ending diagnosis and wishes to die at home, I give the exhausted family a break through the night.
My patients and their families are physically and emotionally fragile, and do not need another worry added to their already heavy burden.

My work ethic includes the fact that my healthcare job isn't about me; it's about my patients.
When one works with the dying, this truth is even more important.

You claim to be dedicated but given your statement, I beg to differ.

There are consequences to every choice be they good or bad; you have made your choice and must now live with those consequences.
The main problem with your choice is it impacts those you are supposed to be helping by taking their choice away from them.
What about their rights?

As for me: I'm going to continue doing everything I can within my power and scope of practice to protect the health and well - being of my patients.