Former staffer sends thanks for care received after a recent crash

On Thursday of last week, I underestimated a corner on the Duffy Lake Road and put my motorcycle ‘down’. Luckily, there was no other traffic at the time.

Some people who came along kindly helped me get my motorcycle up and see if I was alright. The bike was running, I could still breathe and was moving around, so I thanked them, declined an ambulance and continue to ride for about an hour down to Whistler (which I should not have done) where I had a hotel room reserved.

I went to the Whistler Health Care Centre first though. They quickly attended to me. It was found that I had some fractured a ribs and a pneumothorax (and many bruises). I was given initial treatment there and airlifted to VGH.

I went through Emerg then was on the otrtho trauma unit in room 7200, bed 1 and d/c home yesterday. I have injuries from which I will recover.

My care all along the line was excellent and the staff was, as well, excellent, caring, very capable, friendly and professional. They were patient but efficient. My companion in the bed across from me also noted what wonderful care he was receiving.

Please extend my thanks (preferably an e mail or printed copy) to all the staff at the Health Care Centre, the paramedics and pilot in the air ambulance, Dr Song in ER and all the nurses, physicians and other staff on the ortho unit.

For many years I worked as a counsellor in Mental Health and Psychiatry for both VCH and FHA until my fairly recent retirement, and know what it is like to be dealing with patients.

This is the second time my motorcycle and I have collided with the road. I thought, as this one was a Harley, I could not injure myself as much as I would not be going quickly. It doesn’t work that way. Unfortunately and fortunately, I am not going to ride motorcycles anymore. I think I’ve probably used up my luck.

Many thanks again to all the staff.

Sincerely,

Colin L.