Heroes of the hospital

I have had the good fortune — or misfortune (depending on how you look at it) to — have been in three hospital emergency rooms in the last four months for family-related health issues: St. Mary’s in Long Beach, Calif., and Providence and Deaconess in Spokane.

What I found was both disheartening and inspirational. Disheartening because many patients were there because it was the only access they had to general medical care. I found this to be a pathetic indictment against our current health care system because it is so costly and ineffective.

Inspirational because the compassion and caring for patients was evident. At each hospital I viewed some of the patients to be discourteous and belligerent to the workers. In every case staff members maintained their composure and compassion in this extremely stressful environment.

If you are looking for everyday heroes; and maybe even angels, look no further than the people in your local hospital emergency room. We are all the better for having them to care for us.

Frank DePasquale

Spokane