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Patient says she `fell through the cracks' Continued from pg. 1 my case, and made an appointment for a week later. Once the ER doctor accepted that-- transferred my case to another doctor-- it was done." She never actually saw that doctor, because he wasn't even a shoulder specialist. She has since met with Georgetown Hospital Chief Operating Officer Cindy McDonell and a doctor from the ER and said they apologized, saying "it shouldn't have happened. I fell through the cracks on a number of levels." "Georgetown Hospital got good feedback from me," said Ford. She said the hospital has since made a change after learning she did not receive any homecare after she left the ER, and has launched a pilot project assessing people for homecare as they come to the ER. McDonell would not comment on Ford's case specifically citing patient confidentiality. "We follow up on 100 per cent of any concerns that are brought forward to us," said McDonnell. She said they consider those concerns raised by patients as a "quality improvement opportunity." "We can't always correct everything, but we do our best to learn from the experience," she said. Ford said she's not currently planning any legal action against the hospital and feels her time and energy would be better spent on healing and recovery. "I don't believe there is a cash cow," said Ford. "I don't think the resources (in the healthcare system) are allocated where they need to be. Am I going to take money out of the system? I don't feel right about it." She said she would rather the hospital take her feedback. "I'd rather see a difference in the system," said Ford. The injury and all the time she's had to be off work has taken a real toll on her work and business-- she's a jewelry and fabric artist. "I don't have disability (coverage). I'm just barely caught up financially," she said. "In terms of production, I work much slower than I did and it's painful. I definitely do need the surgery. The hope is I have more mobility and less pain." Ford maintains a positive attitude and is grateful for the support she's received. "I'm still here. If I'm going down, I'm going down fighting," she said. "I want to thank the community for all the support I have received." Ford said she welcomes anyone to come and see her work at her studio and Williams Mill Visual Arts Centre in Glen Williams. Her studio is located in the stone building at Williams Mill, 515 Main St. Glen Williams. Ford's website is christinemarieford.com 9 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, December 8, 2011 Free Gift With Purchase December 5th - 25th Receive a PANDORA holiday ornament (a $36 CAD retail value) with your purchase of $150 or more of PANDORA jewellery.* *BEFORE TAXES. GOOD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER JEWELLERY PRODUCTS SHOWN ARE SOLD SEPARATELY U.S. Pat No. 7,007,507 · © 2011 Pandora Jewelry, LLC · All rights reserved· PANDORA .NET Christmas time is here. · · · · · · 265 GUELPH ST., GEORGETOWN 905-873-2753 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Georgetown Market Place, 280 Guelph St., 905-873-6662 Things to cover your entire list... ornaments place settings instock upholstery mattress sets dining rooms ...and so much more