Clinic

Today at clinic we arrived to see probably close to 80 people waiting for us. As there is only one medical provider (me), typically I can only see 35-40 people. Needless to say this can cause some unhappy disgruntled people. Our clinic is the only free of charge, free medication clinic in the area. Now, keep in mind, this is a very BASIC clinic. The only "labs" I can do is a finger stick to check for blood sugar, and a urine dipstick. Anyone who is sick that requires anything more extensive such as x-rays or other things simply has to go to the hospital. However, I do see many people that I can give patient education to, how to improve their health by lifestyle changes, and to check blood pressure and blood sugar - give pregnant mommies prenatal vitamins, and check them out as well. Some people come expecting much more than I can give. However, it is a service that has been well received and we NEVER see less people than we are prepared to see. We ALWAYS have more patients than I can see in a single day. Today we had so many patients and the beginning of the day started just crazy. We have always required folks to make a line (which almost never happens), and every person must receive a number to be seen. This is the only way to ensure I have sufficient time to see those folks. Today - people were angry, pushing, refused to listen to us as we required a line to be made, and it was just crazy. I actually had to tell them to make a line - they all knew who was here before them, and that I would return in a few minutes once the line was made. We re-opened the door, and not much had changed. It's times like this when it's a little discouraging. People are mad, angry, upset. I feel like we end up being the "bad guys" when we turn people away - but I know we can only do the best we can and don't want to give bad service, hence the reason why we limit the number of people. Anyway - good clinic - saw many people with "gripe" (think cold), two people I sent to the hospital, and one very sick young man with probably pneumonia. So, I feel that we did good today, just a bit discouraged over the people who were not very well behaved :-(