How's the Patient? Have we forgotten...?

This is an open statement to the media, to health-care practitioners and to the public at large concerning the lack of care and understanding in our medical system.  I believe, that we as Canadians have become so complacent with inadequate care, that we have ceased to question and merely accept the bad service.  

I have a young son with Autism, who does not currently have a primary care physician.  A “bonus”, when we moved back to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario in December of 2006, due to his level of care, was  a nurse practitioner until age five,from the Infant and Child Program at Algoma Public Health.  It apparently ceased at five, because after five, you don’t need medical care.  

Aidan, recently developed a cavity problem and needs a tooth extraction.  We have dental coverage, he regularly visits his dentist and a referral was made to a dental surgeon.  We all agreed that the procedure should be done at the hospital and under anesthesia.  The process began, and one critical component is a physical examination and health questionnaire.  That presented a bit of a problem, he does not have a doctor, but I was confident that I could get assistance from someone to have this done quickly and efficiently.  

After a morning of phone calls, I am recommended to call the Superior Family Health Team.  Aidan does not do well with “walk-in’s” he needs preparation and needs predictable situations, especially in a medical environment.  I search our new 211 service and the information sheet for the Superior Health Team reads:
Eligibility:
“Must be an enrolled patient or an orphan patient seeking specialty appointments”

I call the appointment line and leave a message and my call is returned the same day.  I explain that my ten year old son has Autism and an infected cavity that must be extracted and requires a medical exam and questionnaire and further explain that a walk-in would not work for us.  She listens and says she will call me back.  About five minutes later my phone rings and the answer is no.  I am actually speechless, my shock and anger boiling, but I know that I should not “shoot” the messenger; not her decision, and not my style. The polite receptionist says we are welcome at the walk-in. I think Autism merits their advertised “specialty appointment.”

I  move on to the new Nurse Practitioner Clinic - and while he can get an appointment.  He has to do an intake appointment first, then schedule the physical.  So we are looking at about mid March before anything gets done.  

In all of this not one person has asked, “How is Aidan?”  Is he is pain, is the tooth causing him discomfort? What can we do?  I receive  better service at the deli counter, at least they ask how I want my meat sliced.