I was happy to hear that my Mamacita was in the new hospital in Aguadulce. I didn't know how new it was but the fact that it was new sounded good to me. I was shocked to see this sign outside of the hospital.
Well... I am SO glad that I didn't bring her with me...that sign was no joke! The hospital sucked! The patients have to supply their own items such as toilet paper, wipes, sheets, pillows etc. The place wasn't necessarily dirty but it didn't seem totally clean either. I couldn't put my finger on what was missing until I had to help change Mamacita. After I assisted the nurse in changing Mamacita I did what any American germophobe would do and I went straight to the bathroom to wash with soap and water. Guess what? NO FLIPPING SOAP! When I say no soap, I mean NO SOAP IN ANY BATHROOM! I went nuts. I asked the nurses for soap and they said that you have to bring your own soap. WHAT? This was a HOSPITAL? I asked the nurse if I could use some of her soap and guess what - she had none! I was about to explode! How do they keep things clean etc? I then noticed that all over the hospital were old diswashing liquid bottles that had the labels scratched off and had the words AlCOL written on the front of them. I of course had my handy dandy bottle of Purell in my purse so I was able to take care of myself but I just couldn't understand what was going on in the hospital. One of the nurses took pity on me and decided to fill me in on the no soap policy. Apparently there once was soap in the hospital. However, the soap dispensers kept getting vandalized or stolen so they were not replaced.
Hmm...
6 comments:
omigosh! and americans complain about waiting for hours in an emergency room. sorry that your mamacita has to endure those types of conditions. pobresita la senora. our seniors and sick deserve better in their twilight/final years.
Wow. That's really wild! Love your panama blogs by the way!
PTC: I couldn't agree with you more!
Fade: Thanks for stopping by!
wow - I just have no words.
They don't have soap -- they don't have toilet paper - they don't have LOTS of things - but the BIG thing they don't have is MONEY. This hospital is not in a rich area with a rich tax base. They are people trying their best to help people. If you go there again - take your own bar of soap, and Leave it there when you leave.
I agree with you eg ...had I known this ahead of time, I would have brought it and left it.
I also agree that the staff was wonderful. They worked hard and I am certain that it is for very little pay.
It still seems odd though that it isn't provided, don't you think? After all, what better way to prevent sickness for employees, patients and visitors.
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