Advice from a professional patient: Keep the peace.

I genuinely feel for people who rely on our public health system - whether it be because they can't afford private health insurance, or whether it be because the only access to hospital they have is a public one.  It's not because the standard of care they receive is any less, because quite frankly, I think those who work in the public health system are nothing short of incredible.  No, it's because the system is frayed at the edges and putting pressure on these fabulous health professionals, unrealistic demands on an already underfunded system, and the resulting wait times and so forth keep ballooning.


The thing that really gets me going, however, is the fact that some patients are so darn ungrateful for the people who are working their butts off to help them.  I work in public health, and like I've mentioned before, have the unenviable position of playing patient on a regular basis.  I know what it's like waiting ridiculous lengths of time in a crowded waiting room to see a doctor.  I know what it's like to spend half your monthly earnings on health-related expenses like medication, doctors, and tests. I know what it's like to be trying to keep your cool as you get bounced from doctor to specialist to doctor to specialist, desperate for a diagnosis.  And believe you me, I know what it's like to just want it all to be simpler.  Quicker.  Easier to navigate.


Sitting in waiting rooms you hear some pretty interesting things.  In recent times, my health has been pretty crummy and I've spent way too much time waiting for doctors.  I've had to start taking earphones with me, so I don't have to listen to the rubbish that comes out of people's mouths in waiting rooms, because it just makes me so darn angry!  Take for example the gentleman (I use that term loosely), who sat in the waiting area for a whole fifteen minutes and whined and moaned the entire time about how long he had been waiting.  Now, I'll forgive a bit of a gripe about waiting, but when he had been waiting less time than the other 20-odd people in the room, it was a bit rich.  Add to his rant that he then started to bad-mouth his doctor - "I don't know why I wait, he's hopeless anyway, and he charges like a wounded bull" - and my blood started to boil.  I've no idea which doctor he was referring to, nor do I care.  If you're not happy with your doctor, there is a time and place to voice your concerns - and the waiting room is not it.  


Ungrateful patients make angry for many reasons.  Firstly, there are plenty of people around the world who would give a non-essential organ for access to healthcare like we have in Australia.  They simply don't have a choice - and when they do need to see a doctor, if one is available, they will queue for an entire day without complaint if need be.  Secondly, doctors and other healthcare professionals are people too.  We're human, we make mistakes, and we're doing our best.  There are a lot of demands on our time that the patient doesn't see - being interrupted for emergencies, to discuss a patient who has been admitted to hospital, or to counsel a patient who has just received a grim diagnosis.  Thirdly, you have to hold up your end of the bargain.  If you think the health system is going to support you and bend over backwards for you, but you're too lazy/stubborn to take your medication, exercise, eat healthily and live a healthy lifestyle, and then you criticise the system because "Dr. Google" disagrees with your diagnosis - then you're not just ungrateful, but you're arrogant.  Patients who fall into this category make me want to throw things.  Sharp things.  In the direction of their heads.


But I digress.  I don't argue that it can be a very frustrating system to be a part of, and to be on the receiving end of.  Through it all, I have never lost my temper with the system or anybody in it.  I am (according to the secretaries at the numerous medical practices I frequent) one of the all-time favourite patients.  I turn up to my appointments on time, book in advance, am polite and courteous, pay my bill on the day, and always wish everyone I encounter a good day as I depart.  They're not big things - hell, I'd argue they're common courtesies - but they make me different in the grand scheme of things as far as patients go.  The thing that other patients seem to forget is that the secretary is the gatekeeper.  They like you, they find a gap in your doctor's busy schedule to fit you in.  They like you, they go out of their way to help you.  They don't like you, or perhaps even just don't know who you are, you won't get their help which can be the difference between an appointment today, or an appointment in a week's time.  


So today's piece of advice?  From Desiderata (again) - 

As far as possible without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.

You never quite know when you might need one of those people to go in to bat for you and your health!