The Editor,
I am writing this in regards to a program called the "Early supported discharge & community reintegration program," operating out of the Richmond Olympic Oval under the umbrella of the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).
On April 8, I had a stroke and four seizures in one evening. I was rushed to Richmond Hospital, then to VGH for treatment and was then sent back to Richmond Hospital on April 24. After going through the physiotherapists there, I was referred to this program (which a lot of Richmond residents do not realize exists for patients being released from hospital) for further treatment. I had lost my writing and adding skills, was weak on the left side of my body and had hearing, speech and vision impairments.
The entire team - physiotherapist, OT, speech pathologists, nurses, home care and dieticians, receptionist - welcomed me with smiles and open arms. They have been patient with me on a daily basis with continuous one-on-one treatment sessions. The only thing I see in their eyes is the final goal of making me a full human being again, and they work really hard at it.
I have undoubtedly made major strides towards a full recovery and have returned to my sports and partially to work as of today. This has all happened in a span of eight weeks. A special thank you to the staff and to the VCH for making such a wonderful program like this available to the Richmond residents.
Akber Dhanjee Richmond
