Strained, but not Broken

Our health system is definitely strained, but not entirely broken. I spent 9 hours yesterday (Saturday) trying to get care for potential post surgery complications. I called urgent care and the nurse line at my surgeon’s office trying to avoid an ER trip. I also tried to get a virtual visit or even a text based chat with a doctor. Long wait for these lower level interventions. Thankfully the on-call doc at my PCP’s office called me back within 30 minutes and advised that while I could wait until Monday, a visit to the ER was the best course of action.

After being triaged by a kind nurse, I sat for 5 hours in a chaotic hospital waiting room downtown before I finally saw a doctor and got some x-rays. The care I eventually received was exemplary. The doctor answered all my questions and assured me that things were on track and that my discomfort was part of the healing process.

I also befriended some of the interesting characters in the waiting room, including the woman talking with herself and belting out top 40 hits. I came to deeply appreciate the value of having a ride home with a warm bed waiting on the other side of it (something many of the patients clearly couldn’t expect).

I left feeling quite relieved and feeling very grateful that our health system is holding it together (if barely). The stack of pizzas I had delivered to the ER staff felt inadequate for the gift they gave me.

THANK YOU to my health care colleagues who are working tirelessly to keep the system, that our communities take for granted, functioning (even if we have to wait sometimes). You are SEEN and appreciated.

What can we do to strengthen this system before the limited resources (skilled professionals) we have collapse under the weight of human suffering?