Editor's letter [Medi-Scope : issue 9 editorial]

Abstract

The sick patient is a frightened, despirate and helpless human being. How often do medical and paramedical staff members consider patients as such? In my little experience as a medical student and as a house physician-surgeon, I have observed that there is a gross lack of awareness of this obvious fact; indeed, how many times have we witnessed arrogance in our wards and how often do patients complain that they are not told results of investigations after so many uncomfortable venepunctures, for instance, or that the consultant fails to have a modest word with them? It is true that the workload in our hospital is rather heavy and much is expected from all; we are fallible humans ourselves with personal problems of our own; we do encounter situations which drive us to our wit's end: our facial expression, tone of voice and general demeanour frequently leave much to be desired. A vicious circle is set up as the already morose surroundings are further influenced by our ill-temper. The patient, very young, adult and old alike, finds himself, often quite unexpectedly, in a new and rather hideous environment: the impressive sharp instruments, steel equipment and machinery; the sounds that pollute the air: the moans and groans of patients in pain, sputum being propelled from the depths of respiratory tracts of chronic bronchitis, the clutter of metallic instruments, the voices of stern professors; the cocktail of odours of urine, faeces, drugs and disinfectants.