How a Trigger-Happy Doctor Has Driven Rob & I Over the Edge
In late July, Rob experienced numbness on the right side of his body and was disoriented. He went to the Welland General Hospital, where he was examined by a physician by the name of Dr. Luterman. Based solely upon the symptoms Rob was experiencing, Dr. Luterman immediately concluded Rob was having a stroke and told him he would lose his driver’s license.
As is standard procedure when a stroke is suspected, an MRI and other tests are ordered and Rob’s case was no different. Later, the test results concluded that Rob (who was no longer experiencing numbness or confusion) had not had a stroke. He was told by the physician who was now on call that he was fine to drive and that any information Dr. Luterman had forwarded to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) would be cancelled. Follow-up was to include a visit to a specialist and his family doctor - again, all typical procedures.
Rob saw his family doctor who had the documents to prove Rob had not suffered a stroke and therefore should not lose his license. That information was received at the MTO on August 28th. As of today’s date his license is still under suspension because the MTO is apparently inundated with cases.
Rob lives in Welland and works in Niagara Falls, making a valid driver’s license a necessity. Enter Yours Truly. I have acted as chauffeur since the end of August, shuttling Rob to and from work each day. Obviously I am not waiting in the parking lot for 8 ½ hours while he works, meaning I am driving two round trips daily and tied to his work schedule.
I have been in contact with members of the Niagara Health System (NHS). They are now very much aware of what occurred and Dr. Luterman has been addressed. I have now been offered “limited funding” for some of my gas expenses. “Limited” being, they’ll cover me for a maximum of 25 trips, a number we have now reached. However many additional trips are required until Rob’s license is reinstated comes out of our pockets.
I have been advised that funds are not being offered because the NHS or Dr. Luterman did anything wrong, but due to apathy towards our situation.
According to Brady Wood from the NHS, “Dr. Luterman’s decision is fully protected by the Ministry of Transportation, who state quite clearly a physician can report anyone at any time without fear of repercussion or discipline”.
Apparently it is perfectly acceptable for a physician to draw their own conclusions and contact the MTO prior to conducting tests or without concrete evidence.
What frustrates me even more about this mess stems from my own personal experience. Last year, I too had the exact same symptoms of a stroke. I went to the St Catharines General Hospital where they did the exact same tests. The tests revealed it had not been a stroke. At no time did the doctor threaten to take away my license and when he did mention the word “stroke”, he was quick to add that the tests would be what actually determined if that’s what I had. Isn’t that the way it is supposed to work?
Consider yourself warned my friends. Niagara’s health system still gets a failing grade in my books if this type of treatment is considered acceptable.