In the midst of the entire world gone mad over COVID-19, my husband and I are expecting our first child! We are naturally ecstatic and completely overjoyed. In 10 or less short weeks, we will lovingly welcome our little bundle of joy into an. And we just can’t wait!
First and foremost, this interaction is purely my own. I know and trust countless doctors, nurses, and medical personal across this nation! Some of the best men I have grown up admiring are doctors of great character. Many friends and family members are also tirelessly working to make a difference in this scary world. I will always pray and give thanks for them! Additionally, I love my PA! I have been blessed by her wisdom and kindness during my pregnancy. She has been a great employee, and I am thankful for her. Sadly, my hospital as a whole provides countless examples of negligence during this time and for that, I share.
Third Trimester Hospital Appointment
On Friday, April 10th, my husband and I ventured to the hospital. Soundly prepped with our hand sanitizer, blue surgical gloves, and homemade vacuum cleaner bag bandana masks (courtesy of my husband’s research and handiwork), we forged ahead looking like completely ridiculous bank robbers! Nevertheless, we respectfully abided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for our own precaution and the safety of others.
We thus entered the hospital properly having read the mandated policies, current alerts, and precautions being taken. Sadly, we found my doctor’s visit rather humorous, frustrating, confusing, and flat out hypocritical.
#1 Impossible “Social Distancing”
The first matter is the so-called “social distancing.” My husband and I could not properly “social distance” while in the waiting rooms of both the OBGYN or the Laboratory where they draw blood. Our inability was not due to the lack of room availability. In fact, both waiting room dimensions were quite large and spacious. But the completely silly set up of the chairs in the room proved pointless.
The new and “improved” chair layout for the COVID-19 pandemic, included seating with uncomfortably close chairs. I wish I had taken a picture of the two chairs facing each other with maybe 1 foot in between. Under normal circumstances, this would be socially awkward and uncomfortable. Under global COVID-19 panic and mass hysteria, kindergarteners obviously designed the waiting room. Nevertheless, waiting in the empty hallway never hurt anyone and provided a good alternative!
#2 Negligent Sanitation
My second concern focuses on the sanitation and cleanliness of the doctors, nurses, and receptionists. In the two hours of boring waiting, never once did I see hand sanitizer utilized by any hospital employees. Even with clear interaction between multiple patients and coworkers, no one followed CDC and hospital mandated safety precautions.
Additionally, when my vitals were taken, no precautions were followed. Under normal circumstances, I would not be phased. However, there is indeed a global pandemic running havoc and I naturally expected more. Nurses did not wear gloves, sanitize surfaces, sanitize equipment, etc. I personally found it quite hysterical and the phrase “Do what I say, not what I do,” kept running through my mind.
I incorrectly hoped hospital visits would be cleaner.
#3 Frustrating Visitation Contradictions
Our third frustration centered around the hospital’s own contradicting policies concerning visitors. Three different prior phone conversations and multiple hospital reports stated one guest per patient. Upon arriving at the office, the sign on the door likewise confirmed the one guest policy. Thus, my husband went with me to the appointment. An hour later the nurse called my name. She informed me that my husband must remain in the waiting room and outside the patient’s door. He, however, could not be in the room per “new hospital policy” enacted last week. Apparently, this “new” policy could not easily be communicated to the patients even with a week passing. My husband remaining in the waiting room surrounded by other patients did not limit his contact with anyone. Odd policies only breed confusion and disappointment.
With understandable frustration, but trying to remain happy, I called my husband from behind the door, so he could listen in on the appointment. Fortunately, over the phone, he listened to our baby’s heartbeat! But, the arbitrary and truly fatuous policy baffled us.
#4 Hypocritical Mask Policies
Last but definitely not least, the hypocrisy of the mandatory “masks”. Again the saying, “Do as I say not as I do” rings in my mind. Similar to many Walmarts and other “essential businesses,” the hospital has a mandatory mask policy for staff and providers. Currently, no policy required patients or visitors to wear masks. But we decided to abide by the precautions.
However, no receptionist wore a mask, no nurse wore a mask, and no doctor wore a mask despite masks being required of all hospital staff and providers. There is an exception for “colleagues in non-patient care areas who can consistently maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet aside from brief interactions with colleagues.” Thus all staff and providers unable to “social distance” are required to wear masks! This is the current COVID-19 mask policy for our hospital. We were stunned at the complacency and complete disregard.
My physician assistant did wear a mask and one nurse in the Lab doing my blood work wore a mask. (These two ladies were already my favorite hospital staffers and they remain my favorites to this day!) Everyone else was maskless.
My husband and I sat astonished at the pure hypocrisy in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.
Take-Away from COVID-19 Policies
If mandatory COVID-19 policies are going to be enacted, obviously everyone must follow them. The hospital itself did not follow its own mandated policies from its own Chief Medical Officer. Nor did they abide by current CDC guidelines.
Times can be frustrating, but this shouldn’t crush the soul. Nor shall this one experience cast a shadow on other medical professionals and facilities. But part of life is holding each other accountable. In the meantime, take a deep breath and please enjoy a refreshing Gin & Tonic for me (since I cannot at the moment, I’m growing a handsome human being). Remember to smile and thank those in the medical field making a difference for the good. Though my hospital experience proved disappointing, please remember one person can make a difference.
When interacting with phenomenal medical personal, thank them for their service! Seek to encourage and bless them especially during this COVID-19 pandemic! There are heroes amongst us and we must applaud them. My favorite United States Senator is once again volunteering his time and experience as a doctor to caring for those infected with COVID-19. For that, I applaud him! Again, I have many friends and family members working in great facilities across this nation. I respect their opinions, advice, and precautions concerning COVID-19. Truthfully, there have been many times I wish I could be a pregnant patient in one of their hospitals and under their care. Nevertheless, the military stationed us far from them and God has a reason for this season.
For now, we must hold those accountable for breaking the rules. Never hesitate to call local, state, and federal elected officials. Additionally, never hesitate to call the Human Resources Office at your hospital as well. Remember, one person can make a difference for good!
Leave a Reply