When someone gets involved in a challenge or dispute with a Health Authority they are often introduced to a very unethical conspiracy called ‘You Play – You Pay – You Lose’. It starts with neglect, or an error within the health system. The ‘health authority’ will never admit that they made a mistake so when challenged they move into cover-up mode.
The first move is for the ‘authority’ to insist that you need to engage a lawyer. Even when you have done nothing wrong, “you need a lawyer”. If you do engage a lawyer the trap is set, and in most cases you will lose. Individuals can lose their freedom, fundamental human rights, quality of life, lots of money and sometimes their lives. The fact that you have to pay out serious amounts of money to have a reasonable resolution is a form of extortion.
Many lawyers are hesitant to take on a health authority in court because the system is a set-up against individuals who try to stand up for themselves. The corporate lawyers for the health authority (with multiple years of experience and tens of millions of tax-payers dollars in the retainer bucket) determine that the average individual doesn’t stand a chance in court.
When the system moves into the ‘cover-up and pass the buck phase’ basic documents that should be made available are concealed, and simple questions are met with: ‘this is all confidential information’, or ‘this is not my department’. Try to contact one of the thousands of people are employed in administrative positions in the Health Authorities in BC. Many of them are ‘not available’, out of the office or on vacation for long periods each year. They leave an automated message that suggests you contact ---------- , who is also away from the office, and more often you do not get a response at all.
The system often imposes ‘gag orders’ on the individual, to prevent the situation from becoming public. This takes the form of publication bans, non-disclosure agreements, blocking phone calls and cease and desist orders. They also create false narratives to trap the person.
The power and domination exerted by certain individuals within the Health Authorities is out of control. A significant number of people are afraid of the health care system. Experienced health staff who are kind and compassionate are leaving their jobs because they have to work within a corrupt system. This often leaves people in charge that have controlling, narcissistic and sociopathic tendencies.
The health care system needs to change direction, develop a level of trust and focus on taking care of people’s health and quality of life. Individuals harmed by the health system should be treated with more respect and compassion.
Trevor Wicks
Comments