Every hospital should have more than one patient advocate that deals as a liaison between the patient, the patient's family, the doctor and the other medical personnel that deals with the patient. Often when a family member ends up in the hospital questions arise, but are never answered because the family tries to meet up with the doctor, and never seems to coordinate the visit with when the doctor does his rounds.
The nurses on duty don't always have the answers, and the family goes away bewildered, frustrated and nowhere to turn. While many hospitals have social workers to act as patient advocates, in my opinion, there aren't enough to deal with the influx of patients in and out of the hospitals every day.
More patient advocates who worked with the doctors and nurses on behalf of the patient and family members would be a worthwhile investment for every hospital. Maybe patients wouldn't slip through the cracks of the medical system as easy.
I've helped care for two elders of the family, and presently I'm caring for a special needs relative. In the process, I've dealt with a number of hospitals, and I personally found that there is a need for more patient Advocates.
Virginia Wright
Freelance Writer
Jacobsburg
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