It’s the last day of the holiday. So far, I’ve only completed my dad’s work.
He’s a Royal Astrologer, and has been faithfully one since all my life, and his. It gets to the point that he is accurate in his readings, so much so that I don’t ask him to look at my chart unless there is a pressing need to do so. Seriously, he’s good. I admire my dad for his ability to be people’s consultant in their times of needs. Goodness knows how many occasions we have received thank you notes or even gifts from clients who show their gratitude. There are the few whom even remain family friends even after years of rapport. I sometimes get surprised by the type of people my father provide his services to – you never realise that even famous people have real concerns just like the rest of us.
Anyway, I spent sometime with my dog Matt, cleaned his sleeping area and gave him his fav cuts of chunky meats and biscuits. As always, Matt gives me this grateful smile and excitedly licks my face, as if to say “thank you for the meal”. He’s an old dog, but he still is my baby to me. I wanted to spend more time with him, but the skies were grey and I also had ironing to do, and work to prepare. Especially since they were going to be showing the Melbourne Comedy Festival on TV. I try my best never to miss that, because I love watching comedy routines!
Just as I was about to sit down and start my work (I fig the ironing can be done while watching TV later tonight), my phone played that funky tune I had set for a message tone. My boy had sent me a message saying that he was on his way home. GOSH! He is such a sexy distraction – seriously. Now I’m pressured to read quickly and think of what points I want to make for my training on Friday. *stress*
Just went through some Health Consumers journals and magazines. You know, many things that I read are so logical, yet are always taken for granted. The things people want in health is clear transparency in communication with health service providers and the consumer. We want to know if adverse events have occured, and why. We want to know because administrators can’t possibly plan for everything – they need our help and input to make the system better. If you’re an administrator, that’s the mindset you are going with and not to say that it is a bad thing, but what the consumers’ want is often neglected because the consumers’ perspective is something only a consumer can give!
A good example is the building of a new hospital. Let’s say the administrators come up with a plan to have pick up and drop off points for patients. Sure, that is fantastic! Consumers will appreciate having such facilities available BUT… Where are you putting these points? Are they going to be situated at locations close to essential areas like A&E or Oncology? These are deliberations that sometimes get missed when a bunch of administrators or service providers come together and talk shop. Only a consumer rep can provide such insight – the little things that mean the most to patients.
That’s just an example of the systemic advocacy that consumer reps do. So far, I’ve been on a couple of council meetings myself – largely to do with information provided to consumers, and research. Yep, I’m also a consumer rep in these types of issues. In future, I would like to be on more research councils and I do have an interest in child health issues because of my starting ground in health – I did my practicum in a child health disability non-profit organisation and it really made me feel passionate about child health issues. Soon, I’ll be applying for volunteer positions in some of the child health services, so that I can learn more about such issues and be at a better position to provide consumer insight on such a level.
I’ve always been passionate about health. I’ve never been interested in things like business or law or IT, even though I do understand bits and pieces of them. I do love research – which is why when people ask me for information, I find it easily and break it down to a level they can comprehend.
My first exposure to health was this elderly lady who was a client of my dad. I must have been in secondary school in Singapore when she came to me with a fragile smile. “I hear from your dad that you want to do health.”
I nodded.
“Look at my hands.” Shakily, she raised them in front of me. “Feel them.” Even though Singapore was so warm, her fingers were ice. “I suffer from Rhett’s Syndrome. I get cold and pain easily in my joints. Sometimes, I cannot breathe. I want to understand my condition better.”
I liked her. To hear she was in so much pain moved me. That night, I spent on my computer, searching all about this condition.
Rhett’s syndrome is a neurological disorder – which affected the nervous system in the body. It largely affects girls through genetic mutations passed down by their parents on the X chromosome, and impacts upon their communication and mobility. The saddest part about it all is that… There is no cure. The only care plan providers could offer focused on the management of their symptoms.
That is the reality of life. Not everything has a clear cut answer. Some people spend forever finding just one piece of the puzzle. Nevertheless, that piece is important, no matter how small it seems. I live with the notion that in time, someone will put them all together. It could be me, it could be you, it could be our children, it could be their children etc.
When I saw her next, I told her all I knew. She stroked my hair and smiled. “You are a very clever girl – I know you will do well.” I knew she knew everything I told her, but yet she was still so kind and listened to me regurgitate all that had been said and done before.
Determined, I told her: “One day, I hope to be able to help ease your pain. Until then, take care.”
I am not closer to understanding Rhett’s Syndrome, and I believe she has long passed on since that day… But I hope that I will be able to use my abilities to help others who seek an answer to the health problems that they look for – and it is through my work I intend to display my efforts.
Even though I am not a doctor, or a nurse… I can do this. Make an impact on the health system, for the sake of health consumers. I just got to do it.
Heh. So that’s abit more about me. I’ve spent too much time reminiscing the past now – better get back onto my work! Have a great day today, everyone!
