Sara Gillooly, a mother from British Columbia, is raising concerns about delays in the healthcare system that she believes contributed to her terminal cancer diagnosis. Gillooly’s journey began when she discovered a lump in her breast and sought medical attention. However, due to scheduling issues, it took several weeks for her to receive a diagnosis of breast cancer, leading to a delay in necessary treatment.
Despite undergoing initial surgery successfully, Gillooly faced further delays in receiving crucial oncology appointments and tests to assess the severity of her condition. Ultimately, she learned that her cancer had metastasized to her bones and lungs, a progression she believes could have been prevented with timely intervention.
Expressing frustration with the system, Gillooly emphasized the need for improved healthcare access to prevent such devastating outcomes. Independent MLA Amelia Boultbee, a friend of Gillooly, echoed these concerns, highlighting the urgency of addressing failures in the healthcare system that are impacting patients’ lives.
In response to Gillooly’s experience, Health Minister Josie Osborne acknowledged the challenges faced by patients and their families in navigating the healthcare system. Osborne emphasized the government’s commitment to monitoring and improving wait times for essential medical services to ensure timely and compassionate care for all residents.
Gillooly’s story underscores the critical importance of timely healthcare interventions in saving lives and providing families with the support they need during difficult times.