THE EDITOR, Sir:
I am writing in response to the letter praising the staff at Medical Associates and describing the diabolical treatment she received at KPH. Sad as it was I recognised the picture she painted immediately, I saw the attitude and felt her frustration and sadness.
I visit Jamaica every year and unfortunately four years ago I was forced to use the health care system because of a sick child. That experience left me reeling with disgust, anger and sadness. I might add that I am a Registered Nurse with 20 years experience who has worked in various countries in Europe. But what I learned in Jamaica was that once you are wearing a nurses uniform you need no longer be kind, helpful or have respect for other human beings. In fact the opposite is true, they were arrogant, unfeeling, abusive and thought their only duty was to preen and pose and look disdainful. Is it that they value themselves so little and have no feeling of self worth?
This could probably be the reason they fail to understand that a fellow human being who is sick in pain and scared needs respect and compassion. Or perhaps the Nursing Schools are failing to teach them what NURSING means and that in any given situation the patient's welfare comes first.
And most of all that being arrogant and unkind does not earn people's respect, that its OK to be kind and gentle with other Jamaicans (They are humans too!) or any other unfortunate person who has the misfortune to need their help.
I am, etc.,
CLAUDIA RIJKER-BAKER
k.rijker1@chello.nl
Spijkenesse, The Netherlands
Via Go-Jamaica
