Fundacja Najdroższa Blizna encourages people to sign a petition explaining how restrictions on or bans against visiting a sick child introduced by clinics and hospitals during the pandemic harm and disadvantage young patients.
Czy jesteś za zakazem odwiedzin chorych dzieci w szpitalu w pandemii?
This is how the campaign’s authors argue for their demand in the PETITION, which can be signed, if one shares their view.
We are not convinced by the argument that parents pose a greater threat (some point out that it is the only threat) to children than hospital medical and non-medical staff. Doctors and nurses leave their workplaces, shop, meet with their families, and sometimes work simultaneously in several hospitals and clinics. “Hospital Christmas Eve gatherings” have been held in many facilities. Not all healthcare workers have yet been vaccinated. Parents who follow hygiene rules, comply with restrictions, and present a negative test result do not pose a greater threat than medical staff. Parents are aware of the risks, especially since their own children are involved.
The constant presence of parents with their children during treatment and recovery is extremely important. It gives the youngest patients a sense of security and comfort. A parent’s touch, smell, and voice can soothe pain, offer a chance of a faster recovery, and make it possible to reduce the amount of sedative and pain medication. Parents who can be with their children have at least an apparent sense of control over reality—they cannot help with medical matters, but they can give their child parental love and care. This should not be a privilege, but the norm!