I broke my leg at work.
For years I’ve been discussing a problem we have with our stairwell at work. I’ve heard several reports of people on similar stairs falling down them and harming themselves – many not able to return to work.
There’s a process for reporting these issues, which I followed.
I informed my manager of the problem with the stairs. It’s all documented.
The first response I received was that no one else had complained about the stairs. I felt this implied the problem was actually me and my ability to navigate the stairs.
To be honest – I could see the problems with the stairs – I knew the issue more than most. I was probably the least likely to have an issue navigating them yet I knew others weren’t going to be as clued up.
The hospital didn’t want to put a sign up indicating the stairs were a hazard – this in itself would indicate they were aware of the issue and that really they should have been doing something to fix them.
The stairs were left as they were.
The issue gnawed away at me. I could see how people would come to unnecessary harm – in fact I was able to read about it happening all over the world. In contrast in those countries where the stairs were better designed people weren’t coming to harm.
I felt something needed to be done.
So I spoke with my managers superior – I told him. He asked if I’d spoken with my manager – I told him I had. He said he would speak with my manager. Then he told me it’s up to my manager to review the stairs and see if they need fixing.
The stairs remained in their hazardous state.
What to do?
I sent an email further up the chain of command.
Nothing.
Then one day I was stood towards the top of the stairs and someone pushed me down them.
That’s how I broke my leg.
I wasn’t sure who I could tell. Yet every time I try mention it to someone in the hospital they just stamp on my leg where it’s broken.
I thought this was healthcare.
I was wrong.
I want you to understand there are healthcare staff across the world, most of them, hobbling around with broken legs. I want you to speak with them – ask them how their leg is and see what you can do to help. Help not only them but others as well. Help reduce the likelihood of more healthcare staff breaking their legs.
I want the stairs to be looked at – I want them fixed. I want the stairs to be constructed at the same standard as those we see in other parts of the world where healthcare staff aren’t breaking their legs.
I want the people who pushed me down the stairs to be spoken with. I want them to realise the error of their ways – and if they can’t, if they aren’t willing to change then they must leave – they have no place in healthcare.
I want these things for you.
I want healthcare.
Will you help?