Page 7 - UHN Year In Review 2014-15: Patients As Partners In Care
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means the world of difference. It’s about remembering that what is as many fireworks during a holiday
Quality care really comes from standard procedure professionally show. The next day, Judith found
lessons our parents taught us: treat is often life-changing and a card on her bedside table with a
others as you wish to be treated.” overwhelming for the patient. picture of a fireworks display.
‘Simple stuff’ ‘Great common denominator’ “At the time, I was struck by the
Judith talks about the importance “Every time I walk into the hospital extraordinary kindness,” she says.
of the “simple stuff” - basic human and put on my blue hospital gown, “This was a healthcare worker who
connections — in dealing with that great common denominator, had connected to me as a person,
patients. Above all, it means I’m at my most vulnerable,” Judith not just a patient.
acknowledging them as individuals. says. “That’s why those personal
interactions are absolutely critical “It was so meaningful. I still have
It includes greeting people when to my care.” that card and look at it to remind me
they arrive for an appointment or what a difference one person’s act of
giving them an explanation for the Judith recalls an exchange while she kindness can make. It really made me
doctor running hours behind was a patient at Toronto Western feel better.”
schedule. It’s about not being too Hospital. She joked with a nurse
busy or too absorbed in something that the inoperable brain tumour For the full video, click here.
else to recognize someone’s fears, crushing her optic muscle wasn’t
and take the time to talk that person all bad because the double-vision
through them. it caused allowed her to see twice
“Quality care really Judith John says when she walks into the
comes from lessons our hospital and puts on that blue gown,“that’s
parents taught us: treat when I’m at my most vulnerable.That’s why
others as you wish to be those personal interactions are absolutely
treated.” critical to my care.” (Photo: PhotoGraphics UHN)
– Judith John 7
Year in Review 2014 – 2015
