Leaving province for medical treatment

A Preeceville man is traveling to the United States for medical treatment after a long struggle with the Saskatchewan healthcare program.

Rodney Gardner, 46, took ill in December of last year. He’s seen numerous doctors and specialists, but none have been able to properly diagnose him. In July his symptoms got worse. Since his ailment  began, he’s lost 41 pounds.

Keri Gardner, Rodney’s wife, has been with him every step of this journey. She’s taken him to see doctors in Yorkton and Saskatoon.

“He was told it was all in his head,” she said.

After months with no diagnosis, Keri and Rod looked elsewhere. They found the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. They decided to go there for analysis and possible treatment. 

Keri says the Mayo Clinic is their best chance, but it poses a big financial risk.

“Once we accept treatment in the U.S., the government won’t fund us,” she said.

The Saskatchewan government can cover some of the costs of medical treatment for Canadians who go outside of the country. However, applicants need prior approval from the Ministry of Health to receive coverage. Approval can be obtained through a referral letter written by a specialist.

Keri says this process is taking far too long. They had to speak with numerous agents and doctors before a specialist agreed to write a referral letter.

“You get passed from one rep to another rep to another rep,” said Joanne Stelmachowich, Keri’s mother. “It’s a horrible process.”

“They make it impossible,” Keri said. “Nobody is around to answer my questions.”

The Gardners didn’t see the letter the specialist wrote, but they were informed it is under review. Keri says they can’t wait for a response since Rodney’s first appointment at the Mayo Clinic is Wednesday Sept. 6.

“[If] we wait for the system, it’s going to be too late,” she said.

Rodney isn’t alone in searching for medical assistance outside of Canada. According to a Fraser Institute study, it’s estimated that over 63,000 Canadians left the country for treatment in 2016. Nearly 1,900 of them were from Saskatchewan.

“It’s every Canadians right for healthcare,” Keri said.

Keri started a petition to urge the Ministry of Health to cover her husband’s medical costs. It has received over 7,400 signatures. Keri has spoken to people as far away as England with similar stories.

“There are so many heart-wrenching stories,” Stelmachowich said. “People are dying waiting for help.”

Keri organized rallies in Preeceville and Yorkton to raise awareness about Rodney’s case.

“This is not just for Rod,” Stelmachowich said at the Yorkton rally. “This is for all those other people that have had to endure this terrible system.”

Rod and Keri set out on Sept. 5 for the Mayo Clinic. They’re stopping in Winnipeg before going to Minnesota. The clinic has told Keri they usually have a diagnosis between 8-10 business days.

“We’re hopeful that it’s not too late,” she said.