Healthcare and What it's really like to get older
Some years ago.... but not that many; Mom had to enter the hospital in Roseville. As an ex-Navy Hospital Corpsman, I had an interest in how the hospital was run and I remember being disappointed in this large and quite modern hospital. It was dirty. No, there wasn't blood on the floors and the trash cans weren't overflowing. But it was obvious that no one had dusted higher (or lower) than waist level, or swept out the corners in a very long time.
As it turned out, Mom didn't die from some nasty hospital acquired infection. But were there safeguards in place to ensure that didn't happen? Not that I could see.
The next time you're in a hospital (just to visit)...take a look. Look up and down. Pretend you're a Navy commanding officer and it's Saturday morning and time for the weekly inspection. Run your fingertip around the top of the door frame. Look behind doors that are always open. It could be enlightening.
The dirtiest hospital I saw was Mercy Healthcare Carmichael, where Mom and I spent several hours in the Emergency room. That place did have blood and bandages still on the floor and in the corners. I did not touch anything that I didn't have to. Mom survived that visit as well. When I saw the Emergency waiting room, however, I can see how hard it would be to keep things neat and tidy. With hundreds of people using the emergency room as their primary care, it was total chaos. And that was 5 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI remember that story.
ReplyDeleteBut...even in the midst of chaos, wouldn't an extra pair of hands helped with the cleaning? Sure, but that would mean 'hiring' someone (maybe two) and that would cause an impact on the bottom line.
So what is it you want? Care or money?
I guess I'm just an 'evil' socialist...
Have you seen Sicko yet? It is playing in your area! http://www.pageantchico.com/index.html
ReplyDeleteYou're right, I need to see the movie, though it is preaching to the choir.
ReplyDelete