Description
In a heartfelt discussion on patient care, Deborah Eastwood emphasizes the importance of providing support for individuals on waiting lists for surgery. She begins by defining what it means to care for someone, highlighting the necessity of ensuring their health, welfare, and well-being. Deborah acknowledges the term "waiting well," expressing her discomfort with it while advocating for genuine concern for patients in distress.
She recounts initiatives taken by the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) and specialist societies to improve patient management, focusing on assessing the needs of non-urgent cases and actively managing waiting lists. Deborah insists that healthcare providers must remain accountable and considerate, conducting regular reviews and ensuring good communication with patients.
A poignant patient story illustrates the frustrations faced by those awaiting treatment, particularly a 61-year-old woman who feels neglected and overpassed in the system. The narrative reveals systemic issues within healthcare, pointing to the need for fair communication and transparent timelines for treatment.
Deborah concludes by appealing to the healthcare community to commit to caring for patients, emphasizing the role of surgeons in ensuring that those awaiting surgery do not feel discarded or forgotten. Ultimately, she stresses the need for compassion, accountability, and improved communication in the healthcare system to better support patients during their waiting periods.