Perhaps it is a common weakness, but one I’ve found especially prevalent in health-care is the labeling of patients as difficult, complaining or negative. Oddly enough, I think it would be easy to apply the same names to the professionals themselves.

There is, of course, always a history that needs to be acknowledged and passed on. However, humans are humans and if you continuously tell someone that they are x, it really doesn’t leave them much room or incentive to be otherwise.

Certainly there is a crunch on our time, definitely there is inappropriate behaviour, absolutely we cannot be at one patient’s beck-and-call when so many are under your wings, but it is imperative to go into each day fresh. Because, to me, there is a immense danger to the patient when you do anything but.

You will miss the complaint that needs to be listened to, you will miss the symptom that is most dangerous, you are may even harm indirectly with your complacence. But each and every day, you rob that soul of redemption and yourself the gift of friendship.

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