I am new here, so if I am posting this and its a NoNo please let me know. I am in need of all the help I can get. I am the wife of a FTM, who has already had his first surgery(hyster) and was able to go through the top(mastectomy). He has been on disablity for gender dysphoria almost his entire life, so MSP did cover his first surgery and was about to pay for the next, when we hit a snag. Basically, MSP isnt giving the plastic surgeon who they ASKED to be trained for these surgeries, proper OR time in the hospital, so they are denying TONS of SRS surgeries due to this injustice. I have a letter from our doctor, I would like for you to read this and please, help us with this fight. The letter might explain more than I can, So, if its ok that I post this here, PLEASE take a minute to read this and help out. We need to flood them with letters and emails and make them see that they are taking these people's dreams and just crushing them. We cant let them get away with this.
We are in Canada, I dont know where you all reside, but that shouldnt matter. We need to stand up for those who cant live normal productive lives due to feeling trapped in their own body. Here is the letter from our doctor, please help. thank you.
Dr. Cameron Bowman
1000-1200 Burrard St
Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2C7
Tel: 604-669-2882
Fax: 604-681-4289
dr.bowman@telus.net
Feb. 29, 2008
Dear Patients:
I am writing to inform you of a recent distressing situation which may adversely impact my patients. Many of you have already recieved notification of cancellation of your consultation with me or even your surgery, despite the fact that you may have been waiting well over a year. Others who have already had their surgeries completed may not even be aware of this situation.
At this point, due to the lack of continued funding and resourses, I am unable to perform any MSP(insured) procedures. This includes any procedure done in the main O.R., but also includes consultations and follow-ups in the office.
Many of you have been waiting more than two years for the Ministry and the Health Authority to fund a new Provincial SRS Program since I returned to B.C. following my fellowship in 2005. I was the surgeon who was asked to undertake this special training in order to return to Vancouver and lead the program. Dispite the huge need and a clear demonstration of the cost savings in doing these surgeries here in B.C., we stil do not have the go ahead for this much needed program. Currently, the Ministry is continuing the status quo of sending you out of Province at considerable hardship and expence for you, not to mention the extra expense for the Province.
To say that I feel terrible about this situation will affect so many of you is an understatement. However, I believe the Ministry of Health and The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority are unaware of how significantly their lack of action is affecting so many of you.
The Division of Plastic Surgery and I are currently involved in efforts to secure more resources so that I can continue my work. We have had little to no response. However, my strong feeling is that The Health Authority and The Ministry will take personal letters from patients much more seriously. We encourage you to write a personal letter, in business format, and send it to three key people in the Ministry and The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority(listed below). Tell them your pesonal stories; tell them your experience with the healthcare system so far; tell them your expectations. They are obliged to take your letter seriously and to respond.
Once again, I truly regret that this has happened. I will continue to be a strong advocate for you, and I will keep you apprised of any positive developments as a result of all of our efforts. In addition, keep an eye out for a major article to be published in the Vancouver Province sometie in March, regarding the lack of funding for the Provincial SRS Program. Please contact us by email if you have any questions or needing any further information.
Yours truly,
Cameron Bowman
**Vancover Coastal Health and Ministry Contact information**:
Ms. Ida Goodreau, President & CEO Van. Coastal Health Authority
Corporate Office
11th Floor, 601 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2
email:
Ida.Goodreau@vch.caHonourable George Abbott, Minister of Health
P.O. Box 9050, Station Provincial Government
Victoria, BC V8W 9E2
email:
hlth.health@gov.bc.ca
Mr. Stephen Brown, Assistant Deputy Minister, Medical Services Division
3-1, 3rd Floor
1515 Blanchard Street
Victoria, BC V8W 3C8
email:
Stephen.Brown@gov.bc.ca
