Elderly and Hospitals
In the letter section in The Star,
There is little doubt that there are many limitations to the exisiting structures within the University Hospital grounds. There is much to be done to make it more disabled friendly. However, with the exception of enlisting major renovations, it may prove difficult to relocate certain departments. The above letter was clearly written out of frustration. Perhaps the lack of air conditioning or the long waiting time, something certainly ticked her off. The situation at University Hospital, in my opinion, is much better that any other hospitals.
Firstly cars approaching the entrance should only be allowed to drop passengers off. If they were to be allowed to park, then the traffic congestion will surely worsen. That is probably the last thing that is needed. Wheelchairs can be obtained from the clinics nearby for those in need. Putting wheelchairs along corridors will result in unnecessary obstruction and worse still may be left unattended in unwanted places, similar to grocery trolleys at supermarkets. Blood testing is usually done on a separate day to allow time for the results to become available. If it was done on the same day, then the patient would have to wait much longer in order for the blood to be tested and the results processed. The pharmacy for outpatients is only situated next to the clinics.The Trauma Center is certainly more disabled friendly.
Perhaps the frustration stems from the fact that other family members were not available to assist despite knowing that moving an elderly person is no easy task for any single individual. I feel that Leela should not have blamed the hospital but rather to appeal to other family members for assistance during visits to hospitals. This will lighten her burden and perhaps make future visits more bearable and pleasant. I sometimes feel that family members ignore their elderly when it comes to clinic appointments. This "chore" is left to one that probably lacks the strength to even manouvre a wheelchair. Caring for the elderly is the sole responsibility of immediate family members. They should make themselves available on such days. Certain more complex explanations can also be given to them, as many elderly patients may not understand or lack the mental capacity to absorb all that is being said.
Having said that, hospital authorities should continue to strive for a more disabled friendly hospital environment. Much needs to be done.
| Hospital visit a trauma for elderly folks SENDING elderly folks for an appointment at the University Hospital has become an ordeal for many. As we approach the entrance, cars are only allowed to drop off patients. How about those who need a wheelchair? The place to collect them is some distance away. Patients are made to wait along the corridor that has no air conditioners and where only two ceiling fans are placed at each corner. Blood testing is done on separate days. Medication has to be collected from the pharmacy, which is situated away from the clinics. In this age where even one child has no time to accompany his parents, with the way things are at the Universitiy Hospital, you need more than one person to accompany them. What’s the use of spending thousands of ringgit building a Trauma Centre when old folks are put through such trauma on every visit? LEELA, Batu caves. |
There is little doubt that there are many limitations to the exisiting structures within the University Hospital grounds. There is much to be done to make it more disabled friendly. However, with the exception of enlisting major renovations, it may prove difficult to relocate certain departments. The above letter was clearly written out of frustration. Perhaps the lack of air conditioning or the long waiting time, something certainly ticked her off. The situation at University Hospital, in my opinion, is much better that any other hospitals.
Firstly cars approaching the entrance should only be allowed to drop passengers off. If they were to be allowed to park, then the traffic congestion will surely worsen. That is probably the last thing that is needed. Wheelchairs can be obtained from the clinics nearby for those in need. Putting wheelchairs along corridors will result in unnecessary obstruction and worse still may be left unattended in unwanted places, similar to grocery trolleys at supermarkets. Blood testing is usually done on a separate day to allow time for the results to become available. If it was done on the same day, then the patient would have to wait much longer in order for the blood to be tested and the results processed. The pharmacy for outpatients is only situated next to the clinics.The Trauma Center is certainly more disabled friendly.
Perhaps the frustration stems from the fact that other family members were not available to assist despite knowing that moving an elderly person is no easy task for any single individual. I feel that Leela should not have blamed the hospital but rather to appeal to other family members for assistance during visits to hospitals. This will lighten her burden and perhaps make future visits more bearable and pleasant. I sometimes feel that family members ignore their elderly when it comes to clinic appointments. This "chore" is left to one that probably lacks the strength to even manouvre a wheelchair. Caring for the elderly is the sole responsibility of immediate family members. They should make themselves available on such days. Certain more complex explanations can also be given to them, as many elderly patients may not understand or lack the mental capacity to absorb all that is being said.
Having said that, hospital authorities should continue to strive for a more disabled friendly hospital environment. Much needs to be done.
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