Some thoughts on our engagement with health professionals

I guess because of the type of person I am and the work I do, our engagement so far with the health system is something I have noticed.
The health system is made up of a whole pile of people and isn't really a single entity. One thing that annoys me is when people say that the "system" is failing. Actually what it means is that too many of the people who make up that system are failing.
Any how... today we struck and interesting person who has caused me to think. We were having Xrays which involved me holding Katya and this Xray technical holding her head in place. We got the first side done but then it just was not working on the second side. Katya was getting upset so I said stop. I then proceeded to settle Katya down while being lectured about how it was better to just plow ahead and get it over and done with. This may or may not have been the case but as Katya's father it is my call as to what is best for her... end of story. Most health professionals accept this now days. Apparently there are a few stragglers.
It seems however that there are a significant number of more competent and professional people at St George's Hospital because it was pretty impressive compared to our involvement with Wellington Hospital.

The other key health professional we have engaged with are the ENT surgeon and the anesthetist. Both have a very confident manner, almost a bit cocky.
In the case of the ENT surgeon it seems as though this is well founded. Anyone who can knock out four implants in one day and not stuff up is pretty hot stuff. His manner shows that he realises he is very very good at what he does.
We had an interesting conversation with the anesthetist. I told him that Katya was very very good at undoing bandages and asked him to do a real job on the IV drip bandage. He informed me that he was a pediatric anesthetist etc and essentially said he knew what he was doing. Too his credit he did a really good job on the IV bandage on Katya. He didn't do such a good job on the other kids who undid their bandages! He also has done a poor job on the breathing tubes as Katya has had and continues to have blood noses. Hopefully tonight these will stop.
Both these guys though were really really good at letting us know how the op was progressing and letting us know immediately it was finished.
The other health professional we have been dealing with is the audiologist. He is a completely different kettle of fish. He seems competent but isn't flashy or cocky. Almost to the other extreme. He also is a listener and explainer person. I am going to enjoy watching him over the coming months and maybe years as he does the 'real' magic of making the cochlear implant sing.
As a team however, the ENT surgeon, Anesthetist and Audiologist cover most bases. An example of a working system.