Do No Harm

It may seem a strange principle to enunciate as the very first requirement in a hospital that it should do the sick no harm. ~ Florence Nightingale

I stopped in to visit a 94-year-old friend who is in the hospital on my way home from work today. I felt so sad seeing her, sitting in her chair, when I arrived. She sparked right up though when she spotted me. I had to suit up—yellow gown and gloves—for some reason. The patient was in isolation. I washed my hands, put the gloves on, and then almost immediately took them off during our conversation. She is deaf and I could see her following my hands around so I thought they were too distracting as I signed.

She was sharing a room with another elderly woman who even a little bit older I think. That woman pressed her call button and when the staff person finally came, she said another person would have to come back and help her eat. Off she went and no one else came. I finally asked the woman what she needed. She wanted her meat cut. I walked over and did it. Noticing her cookie, I unwrapped it. The aide must have walked in minutes later, scooped up her tray and said, “I will leave your cookie for you.” I should have stopped her and let her know she had not yet had time to eat anything. My friend waved her away. She was still going to eat her supper.

I was appalled at how they were both treated. Hospital staff are overworked and cranky it seems but still, patients need a safer place to heal. Lord, keep me well so that I do not have to end up in the hospital.

Peace,

Suzanne