This is Pooja. She is a speech language pathologist. She assesses swallowing and communication.
“What has been most amazing to see is just how willing people are to step in to lift each other up.
In this time of great need, we are at our most efficient, our most communicative and our most aware when it comes to how we work together. It is no longer about my mask, my gown, or my consult: it is a collective understanding that these are our masks, our gowns, and our responsibilities to promote a culture of efficiency.
Sometimes, it takes a crisis to make us reflect on what we do, and how we can do it better.
I think back to a moment where a young son for one of my patients was crying outside the ward, unable to see his father last week. He couldn’t read him his favourite book, feed him his favourite food from home, or hold his hand.
I remember when I had to say goodbye to my grandfather: it wasn’t even enough to spend hours upon hours at his bedside.
Now all families have at most is a Skype chat or a remote goodbye.
When families can’t be with the loved ones that are the foundations of their lives, it puts things into perspective. We have a responsibility to put our best foot forward together to be there for our patients and our families. That is always our responsibility – but in a time of need, it is our collective challenge, now more than ever. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be part of it.”
The comments section is closed.