Oops it looks like I’m a rule breaker.

I have just been to Auckland hospital for my umpteenth kidney stone operation. I asked my care giver to come in the next morning to get me up. As it happened, my hospital stay extended to a second night. Nobody seemed to mind, In fact the nurses appreciated the support. After all I’m not the easiest person to wash, dress and transfer into my wheelchair, especially for those who don’t know my movements

Apparently the official word is that disability supports cannot be provided in a hospital setting. In my opinion this policy is ridiculous, as surely the act of using the services of my own care giver is a win-win situation. I’m supported by a person who knows me well and the nurses are free to take care of other patients

As usual the nurses were caring, patient and concerned about my comfort. However there has been, in the past, the “odd” nurse who does not understand my needs. For example when sleeping I need my head slightly raised to avoid choking and therefore I regularly need to be lifted up the bed a bit before I dose off. I also need to be feed in a sitting position to ensure my food goes down the proper channels. When these needs are not considered it does get a little scary

Fortunately I’m usually very capable of expressing these needs, however operations do knock confidence as well as the body, therefore it’s essential to have someone who knows you there, to be your voice.

If I feel this way it must be terrifying for a non verbal person with high needs.

Disability supports in a hospital setting is essential. People who have special care giving needs must be supported by the people who know them best

Ross Flood
rflood@cpsociety.org.nz