Maternity/ Abortion Concerns from Aug 2022, Debated But Key for All to Learn About

There was a report in The Lakeville Journal from Nuvance which runs Sharon Hospital giving the impression that the maternity ward was definitely closing. There is much more online now about what has happened in terms of many advocating for it to stay open and also keep ICU and other key services.

 

 Some fear this was  'the beginning of the end' of the medical services provided if there is not a way to maintain a strong foothold on the legacy and terms of Sharon Hospital as shared over the years...promises that changed from one for-profit to the next even as upgrades were made in some areas.

 

I am not an expert but offered these thoughts as I do for many topics to help people tune in and try to understand main points and controversies. Thanks for making the efforts you do to advocate for yourself and others and the bigger forums as well to stay connected to the timely matters in meaningful ways. Worth googling this topic and others online and much was covered in The Lakeville Journal of CT (tricornernews.com)

 

To the Editor: (from Aug 2022)

The difficult news of the maternity ward closing at Sharon Hospital will create a ripple effect of people figuring out other options. Some may plan to have a homebirth with appropriate support and near a hospital. Others may want to spend a week or more near their chosen hospital they plan to deliver at to benefit all involved, since births can occur anytime and with a need for medical support.

With medical  costs figured in terms of millions of dollars and having to justify how many people are benefitting, prevention  (not only of unplanned pregnancies and unsafe relationships) for more community-based centers across a state and near medical facilities would help.

 

 With online education and forums, many are taking charge of learning how to prevent difficulties with digestion,  problems using prescription or illegal substances and alcohol as well as addressing social, legal and other issues that can affect one's health and well-being (including not being bullied at work, school, in the community or in relationships dubbed domestic abuse). In addition everyone should have support as needed for managing ADLs (Activities of Daily Living such as managing day and night routines for good sleep, eating, toileting, mobility, transportation, safe housing and more.) 

 

It can be hard to know where to start and who would take charge in offering support to people at large and in need of particular care. Climate change is waking many up to the idea that people need to cooperate and live with a sense of care and shared responsibility on many levels, including economically, politically and educationally. 

 

Using the ethics and principles of permaculture, such as 'earth care, people care and resource share' as well as working from 'patterns to details' and 'conserving energy' can help more people collaborate using nature and existing social and community networks to plan and implement strategies for shared progress. Many including myself are eager to see more bridges built to help states and towns serve all in their areas. Thanks to TheSalisburyForum.org and Lakeville Journal and Millerton Newspapers for doing their part to keep the conversations growing!

 

--Catherine Palmer Paton, Falls Village CT