Dear Editor,

In the Sun Times April 22nd article, “Board of Health Raises Concerns", Public Health Board Chair Sue Patterson makes an accurate statement—we are in the midst of a pandemic! Unfortunately, little else she says makes sense.

We are all bored, frustrated, anxious and angry as a result of the continued restrictions brought on by the pandemic. Because of this, we relish in distractions.

When people are frustrated, they can become belligerent. But not, as Sue Patterson alleges, because of the questions asked by Mr. John Tamming.

We are frustrated by the constantly shifting sands that the dynamic flow of Covid data has left us standing on. Interpretations and instructions change by the day. The inadequate leadership shown by our premier and his government has played no small part in adding to that frustration. However the resultant “belligerence” should not be directed towards Health Unit staff. On that point, I again agree with Ms. Patterson.

Dr. Arra, and Public Health Unit staff, have performed admirably throughout the pandemic. We all respect what has been done at the PHU. Their 3 W’s (Wash/Watch and Wear) have been our constant. It should be noted that John Tamming wrote an article, printed in the Sun Times in 2020, praising the work of Dr. Arra.

The matter of Dr. Arra’s salary is a separate issue. The doctor is on a contract, negotiated by the Public Health Board. If his contract allows for so much overtime pay, that is an issue the Health Board should justify in detail to the public. Presumably, other PHU staff also worked overtime throughout 2020. If that staff is not entitled to overtime pay, questions must be asked.

If the PHU has had staff resign or terminated, and not replaced during this time of crisis, that also raises questions.

As Chair of the Public Health Board, Sue Patterson is obligated to answer these questions. So please, Ms. Patterson, distract us with your answers! But leave Mr. Tamming out of it.

Sincerely,
Brendan Mulroy. M.D.