Before you tell a disabled person that they need to “just make the healthcare worker mask”… please understand the imbalance of power that exists in hospital settings.
We can’t “just make them” do anything. If they refuse -our options are to take the risk or go without care.
There’s little recourse when a HCW refuses to mask - there’s almost NO recourse that exists in the moment.
You can file a complaint after the fact - but if the care you require is urgent or an emergency - that won’t help you
Imagine you’re taken to the emergency room with an urgent (or life threatening) issue. The doctor comes in and refuses to wear a mask.
Do you walk out? Throw a fit? These are not good options
Even if you manage to keep your composure and strongly advocate for them to reconsider - the longer you argue the more potential virus you’re being exposed to.
The more you “annoy” the staff - the greater the odds of retaliation or reduction in care.
This isn’t like telling a friend or a colleague to mask. The dynamic is completely different.
HCWs have the ability to help you or harm you. You want them on your side.
A note in your chart indicating you’re anxious, difficult, non compliant etc can follow you around and impact all your care going forward. Getting charts corrected and notes removed is a time consuming and difficult process
As a result many patients don’t push the issue. They delay medical care as long as possible and then just cross their fingers they will get a compassionate HCW when they do finally go.
These delays can also cause harm - and shouldn’t be necessary.
Hospitals have never been terribly safe places. They’re where the strongest and most resistant bugs thrive. They’re also where the sickest and most vulnerable people are.
At least before Covid it felt like hospitals were TRYING to prevent infection.
These days it’s as though any amount of infection control is seen as weak. People are actually bragging about how many times they’ve had Covid or about the risks they’re taking with their health. Staff aren’t masking even around babies, cancer & transplant patients
We have to change course. Our healthcare systems could barely handle the amount of chronic illness they were facing before Covid - they certainly can’t handle the constant influx of disabled patients and staff that Covid is causing.
This is why we need mandatory masks in healthcare settings. The responsibility to keep themselves and others safe should NOT fall on the vulnerable patient.
Many are unable to advocate for themselves - and others are unable to mask.
Mandatory masking protects everyone
Lastly - the solution to this problem should not be “don’t go to the hospital”. It’s not right to make ANY patient feel like they’re wrong for seeking care. Like they’ve somehow “failed” if they end up with Covid.
Until you’re facing a life threatening emergency or serious health challenges - you can’t possibly know what you would do.
Is it scary to go to the hospital right now? Of course. Is it also necessary? Absolutely.
Patients should never be blamed for needing care or for being unable to get HCWs to mask. The system is failing us - we aren’t failing each other.
If you need the hospital - you have all my love & support. It’s impossibly hard - and I will keep fighting to make it better.
As long as hospitals refuse to do what’s right to prevent COVID (hello clean air & mandatory masking)… the onus is unfairly on the PATIENT to avoid COVID.
My guide offers tips to reduce your risk of hospital acquired COVID (and other HAIs)
disabledginger.com/p/how-to-st…
#CovidIsAirborne #CovidCautious #CovidIsNotOver #CleanAir #WearaMask #Disability #LongCovid #Ableism #Denial #CleanAir #Pandemic #PublicHealth #InfectionControl #Eugenics #SafeHealthcare #N95 #Respirators #MasksWork #MaskUp #Spoonie #Discrimination #Dysautonomia #mecfs #pots #mcas #communitycare #wearamask #chronicillness #keepmasksinhealthcare #MaskBans #NoMaskBans
How to Stay Covid Safe When in Hospital
A guide to navigating the risk of hospital acquired Covid - as well as how to manage overall risk of nosocomial infections and hospital derived complications.Broadwaybabyto (The Disabled Ginger)
Broadwaybabyto
in reply to Broadwaybabyto • • •I’m sad that a guide on how to avoid COVID in hospital is even needed. But it IS needed.
What we need MORE is mandatory masking in hospitals. They would prevent the overwhelming majority of covid infections.
HCWs - you don’t need to wait for a mandate. You can CHOOSE to do the right thing and put a mask on! Protect yourselves and your patients - you will save a life.
disabledginger.com/p/a-plea-to…
A Plea to Maskless Healthcare Workers from Vulnerable Patients
Broadwaybabyto (The Disabled Ginger)