To the Editors,
To read a recent article in your paper about the behaviour of some people towards those employed in the healthcare system is astonishing, to say the least. That report states an increase in the level of disrespect and even abuse towards those working in the medical field. In this brave new age of artificial intelligence, the previous, natural version, given to most of us at birth, seems to be in increasingly short supply, along with manners and some basic self-discipline.
Even allowing for the fact that people are not at their best and are under stress when it is necessary to seek medical help, to take out their frustrations on those trying to help them is totally unacceptable.
As it happens we ourselves had to visit a hospital recently, first the West Haldimand General Hospital and afterwards the Brantford General for an unexpected emergency. The friendly care, efficiency, and expertise we experienced there was all one could have wished for. So, what some of those patients are whining about is a bit of a mystery.
The main purpose of my writing is less an attempt to influence the behaviour and lack of manners of a few, likely a complete waste of time anyway, but to assure those working in the healthcare system that the vast majority of their patients very much appreciates and is grateful for their hard work and effort to help. To them, in our own and that majority’s name: “Thank you very much!”
Bert Schaefer,
Caledonia
