Author note: No response was received from either Ms. Isfan or Kevin Donovan.
Sent by email:
To: Kelly Isfan Chief Executive Officer Ross Memorial Hospital Lindsay Ontario Canada
May 20 2021
cc: Kevin Donovan Chief Investigative Reporter Toronto Star
Ms. Isfan, Dr. Andy Gidwani telephoned me on Friday May 14, 2021, to provide status on my mother, Nancy Barbara MacArthur, whom had been admitted to Ross Memorial Hospital for Pneumonia on May 6. Dr. Gidwani said my mother was not responding to IV antibiotics, was unresponsive, as she had been for days, and stated there was no chance that further intervention could turn things around. I told Dr. Gidwani to take whatever measures would expedite the conclusion of my mother’s commission, and at 1:30pm, I received a call from Dr. Gidwani that my mother was in transit to the Palliative wing. I prepared myself accordingly, arrived at the desk at 3pm, and was escorted to her new room by a nurse. Upon entering, I requested a cup of ice water. The nurse said I could not drink in the room. I explained that I would be staying in the room until my mother departed, was thirsty, and in need of water. Again, she declined to get me water. I told her to consult CEO Kelly Isfan. A short time later Palliative Care Manager Erin Bruce, who did not consult with you but instead arrived at my mother’s room and told me I could not pull down my mask, eat, or drink while attending my mother’s imminent passing, because of Covid regulations. She said if I wanted to pull down my mask or drink, I would be doing it outside, and “only outside.” I explained
that I had crossed the threshold of her final room and was duty-bound to remain until the end and that such regulations as applied to a palliative room and patient are absurd, unethical, and inhumane. I added that if I were in her position, I would simply use my discretion and look the other way. She then responded, in effect, if I pull down my mask, eat, or drink while comforting my mother in her final hours – say to allow her to see her beloved son’s entire face one last time – I would be “removed from the building.” I told Erin Bruce that I understand she is a woman who adheres to the letter of the law and that I did not wish to be removed from the building for such a trivial reason, at such a late hour, and therefore, I would fully comply with the law. Ms. Isfan, upon reflection, my initial ill will toward Ms. Bruce in the days following the passing of my mother has been tempered by my deeper understanding of her roll as mere enforcer of rules which Ms. Bruce did not write, nevertheless, Ms. Isfan, I must now confess to you my sins, as I did not comply with the law as I swore to Ms. Bruce that I would, for while I roamed about the room, I came upon a white porcelain fountain from which cool water flowed: and I did not forsake it. I removed my mask from my face and I cupped my hands, and I did bow and partake of the cool water: and it was good. And after a time, I became hungry: and I foraged for food for my hunger. And among my mother’s belongings I came across manna, and I did not forsake the biscuits which I came upon but did eat them; and they too were good: and my hunger and my thirst were tamed. And with my thirst quenched even as a fiery sword is quenched in cool water like that which I drank, I returned to my task; and I let my beloved mother gaze upon my uncovered face: and I gave comfort. Ms. Isfan, it is true that I have violated sacred law passed down by learned men, men of renown, and of course Ms. Bruce is duty-bound to report my breaking of the law to the appropriate authorities, and my letter to you will stand as testimony of my guilt before said courts of the day, and I will accept all judgement for my grievous sins, without complaint. But also know there shall come a Judge of meaning and holding a bowl full of wrath, a terrible and awful Judge of seething countenance who shall judge the judges and tread the winepress of vengeance. Yet even though I believe He shall come, I know not His hour.
I am Yours truly George MacARTHUR