At the moment I am in hospital recovering from an operation on my back. I am in a brand new building with a window onto a gorgeous view. This has been an interesting experience for a number of reasons.
Before I get into this much more, I was working as a hospital Social worker for 11 years and only retired in May last year.
One of the things I resisted strongly was wearing a uniform, Now I find myself in the main hospital as a patient. It has given me a whole new perspective on life. I have experienced a hospital where everyone wears ‘scrubs’ or uniforms and it has given me a whole new and unexpected perspective.
I have found comfort in looking across a room and seeing someone in purple and knowing that person is a Social worker. Especially if you feel you need to talk to one. Scrubs are all color coded. Social work = purple. Physio ,= blue. Occupational therapist = Green/turquoise. If asked again about uniforms now – my fellow workmates would not believe this – I would 100% say yes to uniforms. It is so reassuring to know just by the colour of their uniform what their role is.
Another thing is, it is hard to turn off my Social Work radar. I can tune into conversations close by in the ward and being so tempted to offer some assistance. I won’t but it is hard to turn off after over 20 years of Social Work in my brain.
I also find having worked in a hospital myself I am acutely aware of treating staff who are helping me with respect and gratitude. Two things that are often in short supply when you are trying to do your best to help. Sometimes people don’t treat hospital staff with respect and can be downright rude. I always make sure I say please and thank you and give praise when I can.
An interesting experience and I have learned a lot being on the other side of the fence.
My journey with Parkinsons 