Renfrew County and District Health Unit released the following appeal to the public from Dr. Rob Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health, on Jan.5:
Who could have imagined the current state of the pandemic? What happened to the promise of newly arrived vaccines last Christmas and widespread optimism for 2021? Simply put, Omicron took us by storm.
Cases have risen exponentially, tests are in short supply, and demand for vaccines far exceeds supply. Worse, the local booking system crashed which made setting up an appointment an additional exercise in frustration. At this time when we are all exhausted and struggling to balance life’s tasks mentally and physically, the Government has rightly chosen to ramp up restrictions to protect our health care system once again.
Hospitals could soon be overwhelmed with additional cases, however, the physical capacity, beds and ICUs, may not be primary concern. The breaking point could be the lack of health care workers to treat patients.
Healthcare workers are already overworked and burnt out. Now with increased exposures from work, family, and the community, we are seeing more COVID-19 cases than ever amongst front line staff. They are increasing their precautions like the rest of us in efforts to “keep all hands-on deck.”
Over the past weeks, we have seen a dramatic increase in verbal abuse of health care workers for circumstances beyond their control!
Does the receptionist at a vaccine clinic have any control over a collapsed internet registration system? Does a nurse have any responsibility for a shortage of vaccines and delayed appointments when she has spent the past year vaccinating people daily? Is Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) responsible for a lack of rapid antigen tests?
The answer is categorically no! Sad to say, but Omicron took us all by surprise and we were not prepared. Yet, an increasing number of the public think it is their right to complain and verbally abuse overworked and now fragile healthcare workers whose immediate families have seen little of them over the holidays.
We understand the public’s frustration, and no one feels it more than front line staff. While we continue to have widespread public support, an increasing number of people are venting their frustrations at us. The number of offenders may not be large, but the impact is enormous. It is harmful and hurtful.
My message to these inconsiderate people is “stop it”. These behaviours will no longer be tolerated. Furthermore, be careful not to bite the hand that helps you, because healthcare workers are giving up in exhaustion and disgust. This means that hand may not be there to help you or a loved one when you need it most.
The vast majority of the public has been highly supportive, and this has contributed to Renfrew County and District’s success during the pandemic. However, it is time to remind you that we all need to be in this battle together and that means that everyone needs to do their part. Kindness and respect are as much a part of the solution as vaccines and the strict observance of public health measures.
Renfrew County and District Health Unit(2022,Jan.5) A Public Appeal on behalf of Health Care Workers for respect, courtesy
and politeness [memorandum]
Above: Dr. Rob Cushman. Photo YouTube
Thanks for this Dr. Cushman…I hope that people read and take this seriously. We are in the middle of a serious health problem in our family and have received the best of support from all branches of our health professionals. I send them our utmost appreciation for all that they have done, especially under these horrendous pandemic conditions.
Thank you Dr Cushman and all the hard working staff at RCDHU. Most of us sincerely appreciate the long hours and excellent care that you have been providing during these difficult times. I am very sorry to hear about any abuse that any one of you have had to endure. For the rest of us, next time we are at a hospital, clinic, or any service run by RCDHU, please take a moment to thank your wonderful provider
How very sad that our acting medical officer of health, after months and months of endless hours trying to navigate us safely through this pandemic, has to take time out of his schedule to teach basic manners. Essential service providers provide service to all regardless of vaccination status etc. They deserve respect.
If you need more staff , remember if you pay more you get more.
I agree with this Doctor , however all patients should be ask if they are in serious pain when they register and treated ahead of those that are not when they arrive. Remember people are not well when they come to a hospital and they may need to hire more staff to care for them, in fact I think they should.
Thank you Dr. Cushman! Bravo/Brava to you and your dauntless colleagues.
There are some seriously flawed (that’s a polite euphemism I’m using there) folks who are belligerent, ill-informed, and dangerous to public safety. Some self-identify, thankfully, and can be avoided. Others just feel entitled to spread stupidity and, increasingly, their gruesome Covid cooties to all and sundry. To them I implore: give us all a break and go back under the rocks from whence you came!