Imagine arriving at the hospital after falling ill. You’re exhausted, sick, and already uncomfortable. But imagine that instead of finding respite in a hospital bed, you discover that you were supposed to bring your own comforts – things like bedsheets, pillows, and blankets. How would you feel?
Patients in Bidi Bidi face that reality every day. Clinics there ask patients to bring their own sheets and pillows, not having enough in stock. But when you’re in a room with no air conditioning, laying on a rubber mattress, seeking treatment for often grave conditions, a pillow and bedsheet can make a world of difference. It can put you in a better mindset – it can help you heal.
So on Day 97, we’ve decided to change the standard of care – and introduce a solution to the problem.
Even though bringing your own comforts is standard in Bidi Bidi, we decided not to accept that standard. We purchased pillows, blankets, and bedsheets for the health center.
These simple things will help people like Sam, who came a long way to visit the clinic and who arrived desperately sick with malaria. Before today, Sam had to sleep on a torn up rubber mattress, split open at the seams. Now, with a pillow under his head and sheets between him and the mattress, he’ll sleep just a bit better tonight.
With only some bedsheets, pillows, and blankets, we’ve changed the standard of care at Ariwa – and building trust with our patients along the way.
