RICHMOND -
Be a patient patient. That's becoming the mantra for doctors at Pediatric Associates of Richmond. Signs posted on the doors and the counters at the pediatrician's office ask parents to be courteous and expect delays. Dr. Kristen Powell works at the practice, which by the way stays open until seven thirty every night. She tells us the high volume of H1N1 cases is prompting stress for medical workers and believes the key is teamwork.
Powell adds "There are lots of hugs around here for the staff. Everybody pitches in. We all know that we're in this together. There are long hours. For example last Friday we were here until ten thirty at night and all the doctors were helping each other out."
Hospitals and doctors offices across the country are reporting an increase in the number of confrontations between staff and people upset about the long lines associated with H1N1, and the lack of vaccine.
Though Powell has heard of reported cases of "Swine Flu Rage" , she hasn't seen that here. She says people are pretty good if you are up front with them and let them know that there will be a wait when theyget into the office.
Powell, who also happens to be a mother of three says patients should know that "We are working as hard as we can. That's going to mean longer hours and it may mean longer times in the waiting room, so expect delays. Bring snacks. Bring books for the kids and things to keep them occupied. Do all of that so you don't increase your stress level in the waiting room."
Dr. Yvette Johnson-Threat, a member of the Bon Secours Medical group agrees. She says she sees the frustration on both sides. "It is stressful. We're seeing a great increase in volume and there are some really sick kids coming through. But I do think it's stressful on patients too. You've got moms and dads missing time at work to care for sick children. Then you have sick children missing weeks at a time out of school. There really is stress on both sides."
Powell adds "There are lots of hugs around here for the staff. Everybody pitches in. We all know that we're in this together. There are long hours. For example last Friday we were here until ten thirty at night and all the doctors were helping each other out."
Hospitals and doctors offices across the country are reporting an increase in the number of confrontations between staff and people upset about the long lines associated with H1N1, and the lack of vaccine.
Though Powell has heard of reported cases of "Swine Flu Rage" , she hasn't seen that here. She says people are pretty good if you are up front with them and let them know that there will be a wait when theyget into the office.
Powell, who also happens to be a mother of three says patients should know that "We are working as hard as we can. That's going to mean longer hours and it may mean longer times in the waiting room, so expect delays. Bring snacks. Bring books for the kids and things to keep them occupied. Do all of that so you don't increase your stress level in the waiting room."
Dr. Yvette Johnson-Threat, a member of the Bon Secours Medical group agrees. She says she sees the frustration on both sides. "It is stressful. We're seeing a great increase in volume and there are some really sick kids coming through. But I do think it's stressful on patients too. You've got moms and dads missing time at work to care for sick children. Then you have sick children missing weeks at a time out of school. There really is stress on both sides."
Digg
Twitter
Facebook
StumbleUpon
