Up front: Clara’s Big Ride comes to Duncan for your mental health page 3 On stage: Cowichan students explore residential schools on stage page 15
Your news leader since 1905
For all the news of the Cowichan region as it happens, plus stories from around British Columbia, go to our website www.cowichannewsleader.com
Friday, May 16, 2014
Angry at the system Insulin pump: Lions Club roars in to support local woman after province rejects plea for help Don Bodger
News Leader Pictorial
J
anine Clark and her father Brian wonder how many lives are being put in jeopardy by the refusal of the B.C. health care system to assist patients in need. Janine Clark, 30, of Mill Bay, a Type 1 diabetic, is a severe case with extensive documentation from doctors and specialists, and yet her application for an insulin pump was turned down by the Ministry of Social Development’s Health Assistance Branch and, again, on appeal. Word spread around the valley about her situation and numerous people rallied to help. The Duncan Lions Club filled the void and came through with the $7,000 needed for Clark to purchase an insulin pump. Clark considers herself lucky to be alive because her condition is indeed considered life-threatening. She’s been a diabetic since the age of seven. “I know it’s directly related to the diaDon Bodger betic issues,’’ said Clark of the seriousness Brian and Janine Clark are frustrated with the B.C. medical system’s rejection of patients who need assistance, particularly for life-threatening situations like Janine’s. The of her condition. Duncan Lions Club finally took the matter into its own hands and bought the insulin pump Janine needed. Since receiving the couldn’t control the levels,’’ said Brian. numerous supporting documents. Endocrinologist Richard Phillips of in February, “I need to decide pump Compounding Janine’s problems are her “My readings are inconsistent — no Victoria added his support for Janine. “my levels have already matter what I do, or how much or little “As a means of improving her health and whether I can gone down significant- suffering from fibromyalgia and need to take Gravol to digest her food at a cost of activity I have,’’ she wrote. “I am living in a quality of life, and reducing the likelihood ly,’’ she said. afford to eat with nightmare within my own body.’’ of her having additional hospitalizations, Clark was in Victoria $300 per month. “This patient has severe diabetic gastroI would strongly advocate that Janine a dose of Gravol, General Hospital from Janine was also turned down by B.C. health care for assistance to cover the cost of paresis and is not responsive to regular receive coverage for an insulin pump,’’ Dec. 16 to Jan. 7, and or, if I cannot medications,’’ wrote Janine’s doctor, Karen Phillips wrote. on life support for four a medication known as dimenhydrinate for the condition to prevent nausea. The cost of McIntyre, on Feb. 19. “She responds well Despite the urgings of her doctors , the afford it, not eat days in the Intensive medications puts a huge dent in the $980 per to intermittent intramuscular injections reply came back that Janine had been Care Unit due to high and probably month Janine receives on disability. of Gravol (dimenhydrinate), up to 50 denied assistance. blood sugar levels. “I now need to decide every day whether miligrams, four times a day. “They don’t even respond to you, it’s just vomit anyways.” “Dad found me in a “Her blood sugars are currently not well- a form letter,’’ Brian pointed out. coma convulsing,’’ said I can afford to eat with a dose of Gravol or if I cannot afford it, not eat and probcontrolled and we are trying to get her an “After reviewing your application, the Janine. “I had total ably vomit anyways on an empty, upset insulin pump. Until she gets the pump, she ministry determined that you did not meet system organ failure stomach, paying even closer attention to may need to remain on Gravol. the eligibility criteria for this health suppletwice. I died on the my diabetes,’’ noted Janine. “I fear that her inability to obtain one, ment,’’ reads the decision, providing few table twice.’’ She documented all these details and due to her financial situation, will result other details about the reason. Janine’s kidneys shut down, she couldn’t in further hospitalizations. It is medically “B.C.’s just allowing people to die,’’ said breathe on her own and her heart stopped. much more in a letter to Minister of Health Terry Lake on Feb. 13 in her necessary and potentially life-threatening Janine. “When she was in the hospital, they pledge for the insulin pump, along with if she were not able to obtain one.’’ more on page 7 kept her in there a lot longer because they
Janine Clark
1st Annual MARINE GARAGE SALE Saturday, May 24 10 am - 3 pm
Dean’s Marine Ltd, 5147 Polkey Rd., Duncan MARINE • RECREATIONAL • BOATS • LINES • CAMPING ACCESSORIES • ELECTRONICS • ZODIACS • FISHING GEAR • SAILS • BOOKS • CHARTS • PADDLES • OUTBOARDS • FENDERS