Was my wife’s hospital care an anomaly or the new normal in Ontario?

Oct 5, 2025 by Marvin Ross

Over the past few years, I’ve written several articles praising the Canadian health-care system based on my own experiences or the experiences of those close to me. But my family’s recent experience has me wondering if the system is collapsing into third-world status or if this incident was simply an outlier.

In a 2018 Huffington Post column, I described how my life was saved by my local hospital in Hamilton (St Joseph’s Health Centre). I was rushed by ambulance the day after a routine colonoscopy when my blood pressure collapsed. The paramedics could not find a vein for an IV as I was transported to hospital. Though in a semi-conscious state in the emergency department (ED), I recall hearing the doctors suggest my next of kin be notified.

While there were only theories of what had happened to me, I was discharged and back home in five days.

In my blog two years ago, I described my experiences with three Toronto hospitals on behalf of a friend for whom I had power of attorney. He had Alzheimer’s and collapsed in his assisted living home. He was taken to the Toronto General and was stunned by how willing the medical staff were to meet and discuss options for him and the considerate care he was given. He needed long-term nursing care with security because of behaviour problems so we agreed he would go to Toronto Rehab. Sadly, and to no one’s fault, he tried to escape from his wheelchair and broke his hip.

That led him next door to Mt. Sinai, where they operated. As is often the case, there were complications; he ended up in palliative care and later died. Staff were kind and compassionate. Each of the three hospitals were caring, efficient and respectful.

My most recent positive experience was the beginning of this year when I broke my femur. Back to St Joseph’s for six weeks of excellent care and rehab. Even the food was pretty good.

But then came the travesty.

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