The dilemma is much larger than nursing

Dear Editor,

Nowrang Persaud’s letter to the editor, which portrays vividly the contrast obtaining in nursing’s humanity to patients in Canada for example, as compared to our local experience, strikes more than just a nerve with others of us who could bear testimony to the differentials spoken of (‘When it comes to patient-service the individual attitudes of nurses trumps all other considerations’ SN, June 2).

A careful read of his observations reveals a dilemma that is much larger than ‘nursing’ however.

They also identify the palpable lack of competence evident among a novice management team, which refuses to listen to advice that is devoid of a political perspective.

Frightening, however, are the consistently published pronouncements which are discouragingly devoid of a sense of social accountability. Citizens, audiences, viewers are spoken to. Perchance, any conversation is with the deaf. There is no model to be found of civility – an attribute that hardly makes attractive entertainment, whether on TV or laptops.

So that the concept and practice of good behaviour, civil attention, caring empathy can hardly be spelt out, much more inculcated, to the extent that patients can hold no such expectations of our ‘health’ sector. Meanwhile, our decisionmaking physicians keep healing themselves of lapses, the implications of which they do not fully recognise.

Surely a case can be made for qualified and experienced direction, guidance and training, from relevant overseas institutions in the invaluable cause of saving lives, talents, skills – all so much needed to contribute to the development and social uplift of our country.

And as for my age group, the piety that is expressed posthumously is hardly matched by any precedent comfort of the heart or soul.

Yours faithfully, E B John