‘Volume drives quality’… this is what the CKHA has been using for quite a few months now as one of its justifications for essentially closing the SDH.
Their data shows that the average monthly medical intervention procedures at PGH are so much higher than at SDH and somehow the experience and skills developed by ER physicians at SDH must be inferior to that provided at PGH.
Monthly averages are as follows:
– Resuscitations: 11 at SDH and 38.5 at PGH
– Intubation: 1.6 at SDH and 7.3 at PGH
– Clot Buster Drug: 0.6 at SDH and 4 at PGH
When you look at these numbers you can very easily say that ‘Oh, it’s obvious that there are a lot more procedures performed at PGH than at SDH.’
So it stands to reason that ER physicians at PGH are much more likely to develop skills and experience than those at SDH.
Well, that is exactly how CKHA medical specialists concluded that ‘volume drives quality.’
That’s what they wanted out of the data to support their plan to close the SDH ER. CKHA Administration indicated they had a ‘robust consultation’ to come up with their conclusions and plan. Several SDH ER doctors that we have had contact with indicated they were not part of that consultation.
We did get reliable information from one of them that there are 11 ER physician shifts per week at SDH and 35 at PGH.
With simple mathematics that I am willing to show and explain (but not in this letter and I am in the phonebook) the following scenario results.
Based on physician shifts per week and the original CKHA data:
– For every 10 Resuscitations done at SDH, 11 are done at PGH
– For every 5 Intubations done at SDH, 7 are done at PGH
– For every 1 Clot Buster Drug administered at SDH, 2 are done at PGH
Does that look like data that can support their conclusions?
I don’t think so! Let me know if you do.
Ever since they presented their facts, many logical and sensible questions were asked but, for the most part, vague answers or confusing comments were returned.
Based on this analysis, I can see why we were unsuccessful in getting responses.
Their conclusions and plan are based on incomplete data, faulty analysis and a complete disregard for the scientific method.
One of the main foundations in their case to close the ER at SDH disappears like the mist from a calm lake on a sunny morning!
George Lung
Director, SDH Board
– Photo: George Lung presenting during the SDH board meeting on Wednesday, May 18 at the Sydenham Campus in Wallaceburg.
