Stem that self-defeating narrative about the MCMH

The notion that “if I get ill don’t take me down there, fly me out,” is very well rooted in the Vincentian psyche in relation to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH).

It is a by-product of colonialism, ignorance, lies, malice, shortsighted partisan politics; and yes, unfortunate medical outcomes and poor attitudes on the part of too many staff members at the hospital.

But this narrative has to be challenged and shifted in order for wellness and healing to take place. Faith, belief and confidence contribute greatly to the extent to which medicines and treatment are successful. By and large, Vincentins are allowed to be admitted to MCMH without the fundamental healing pill…hope.

Our people ought to be reminded that in the practice of medicine, both art and science play important roles. We need to make public, the statistical evidence relating to patient care at the MCMH; significantly more people have positive outcomes than do those who do not. Our statistics need to be compared with those of other hospitals around the world to see how we line up.

And if the morale among the staff at the MCMH is low, that would not be surprising, after all, the medical personnel and administrators there are part and parcel of the hellhole narrative which surrounds the whole institution and scenario.

A whole lot of fixing has to be done at MCMH, but so too at many, many public hospitals all over the world. The miracles that take place at MCMH have to be touted, the blocks and cogs in the wheels have to be thrown out. We aren’t swimming in money, but neither money nor medical skill alone would provide the panacea that we need. We need to stem the self-defeating narrative in a self-affirming manner.