OrilliaMatters received the following letter from a parent of patients who have relied on the services of Dr. Joe Philip. Last week, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit distributed a media release saying patients who received dental care at his office between 2012 and 2017 should be tested for hepatitis and HIV due to “deficient” cleaning and sterilization of equipment at the Wyandotte Street clinic.
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I am grateful you printed Dr. Philip’s letter on the OrilliaMatters website. I have read this a few times now.
I have been in that dental office with both of my daughters. Nothing but the best care was provided. The staff was of the highest standard and such caring people.
My oldest daughter was diagnosed with ADHD and a non-verbal learning disorder at a young age (now 24). She was very comfortable to receive the care of Dr. Philip and his team over the last few years when specialized treatment was required. She went, of her volition, on to become a full-time patient of Dr. Philip in March.
Now what will happen? Who is set up, ready to care for my daughter and the individuals that deserve and require the best of this type of care. Dentist visits can be scary. So much that I have not gone in years myself. I was going to become a patient of Dr. Philip and his team. I am a full-time college student on the benefits of the college. I need dental care and have been so impressed with this health-care service that I was finally ready to get treated.
How many agencies had individuals cared for in this office? Would they not have raised red flags? The government supported Dr. Philip with his program for individuals requiring care but we’re the low-income demographic of the community. Would they have not raised a red flag? My career will be in human services. I will be taking individuals to medical appointments and I will be ensuring the utmost safety to the individuals I support. What will be left for me to take them to?
We are turning into a dog-eat-dog society rather than being one that listens to both sides and becomes aware along the way – especially listening to the ones that have hearts of gold and the spirit of a saint.
This is a terrible blow to so many at risk. My daughters now need blood tests. Just the thought of this happening makes me sick to my stomach. The effects on so many may never be repaired.
Janet Sutcliffe
Orillia
