Does It Hurt When I Press Here?

When we go to a hospital, we have the illusion that everything is perfectly organised, like infallible computer software running in the background, checking that everything is running with military precision. The aim of this book is to break deep into that delusion and to give you a better understanding of how things really work. Mainly in the Emergency Department, but with a glimpse into the whole of the National Health Service machinery. What if I told you that the trolley you were examined on had not been wiped after the previous patient had laid on it without underwear, perhaps to be catheterised or to have a rectal examination performed? Did you know that the pulsioxymeter, that little finger clip with a red light that measures your heart rate and oxygenation, was used right before you on a patient that was covered in faeces and no one had the time to disinfect it before putting it on your finger? In this book you will find some disturbing facts about the National Health Service and its Emergency Departments. Some of these facts will hopefully leave you sympathising with the health care workers, while others will break the illusion of a well-oiled machine and make you see the truth behind the mirage. Clapping for the NHS is all very good, but the truth is that it does not solve any of its problems. I am hoping that by reading this book you will find out what we can all collectively do to make things, and consequently the whole system, better.