Patients urge staff to include them in their social conversation on the wards

We have received several e-mails from patients who get extremely frustrated when some medical staff talk amongst themselves when carrying out procedures. It is not always the content of their conversation they dislike, though they are obviously unhappy when the subject is inappropriate, often they simply want the chance to be part of it all.

So many people feel desperately bored and isolated in hospitals and care homes. The chance to have a laugh, or commiserate with staff who are discussing their life outside the hospital is often welcome as it helps to keep them into touch with the world.

We have all had the experience of feeling excluded from a conversation and it can be very demeaning. Including a patient in your conversation is not only good manners, it also dignifies that person by making them feel that their contribution is relevant. From my experience, it can also be enllghtening, helpful and extremely entertaining. Often the oldest and most unlikley person on the ward will have had similar experiences and may well have a valuable or surprising contribution to make to any conversation. They just need to be asked.

Jill