[Apple Pan Dowdy]

I can tell you that the language barrier is a problem on the other end too... not only when the patients don't speak English, but ALSO WHEN THE NURSES DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH.

Recently my Dad was in the hospital in Atlanta (the last week of his life). Because he was on kidney dialysis there was a note posted above his bed that said "no sticks or blood pressure tests in left arm". I was sitting with him during the night and a nurse came in to do the routine blood pressure reading. I was distracted for a moment as my brother was coming in to relieve me. Returning to the bedside I saw that the nurse had taken the blood pressure on his LEFT ARM! I pointed to the sign and asked her why she had used that arm. She did not speak English and did not understand what I was saying..... I assume that neither did she understand the posted warning note either.

The hospital had hired her to take blood pressure readings during the night shift.... I guess they didn't think that required speaking of English.

The next morning the hospital found that Dad's left arm dialysis connection had clotted beyond repair. Likely due to the fact that the blood pressure had been taken in that arm.... although they would not admit it. My discussion with the hospital administrator resulted in a bigger and clearer warning sign posted..... too little too late!

[Damocles]

The docs who don't speak english can also be a bit disconcerting....

[FITZ]

People don't realize what a fast growing problem this is in health care. Your life is often in the hands of people who cannot understand English (or much else) --- they'll nod their heads and pretend they do.