"Even Requests to Wash Underwear..." Medical Staff Struggle with Demands from COVID-19 Patients

COVID-19 Dedicated Hospital Nurse: "When I Asked for What I Needed, They Sometimes Said 'Because You're a Woman'"

Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Medical staff at hospitals dedicated to treating COVID-19 patients are reportedly struggling with unreasonable demands from some patients.

Nurse A, who works at a COVID-19 dedicated hospital where mild patients are admitted, said in an interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 25th, "There are good people, but many nurses are having a hard time because of patients making absurd demands."

According to Nurse A, excessive demands range from patients who refuse to agree to hospitalization despite testing positive and cause disturbances, to those who request single rooms. She also explained that some patients complain, asking for all supplies to be provided since hospitalization is free of charge.

Nurse A said, "Among the patients' demands are questions like 'Why are you confining me?', 'Where is the rooftop?', 'I can jump off', and 'If this is a negative pressure ward, why is it a multi-bed room?'" She added, "Some patients compare this hospital or ward to others and demand that their requests be met."

She continued, "Because they think COVID-19 hospitalization is free, they believe everything is free and all supplies should be provided. Some ask for patches or nutritional supplements, and others complain that the food tastes bad and demand side dishes be changed."

She even added, "There are patients who request coffee, cigarettes, fruit, or Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)."

Nurse A said, "When we refuse, they shout or express displeasure by scattering used tissues on the floor as a form of protest."

She lamented, "Some question why test results are not out quickly, and there was even a patient who asked us to wash their underwear. It was a male patient, and when I asked if he needed anything, he replied, 'For a woman.'"

She added, "We are working very hard, but patients expect too much treatment, so I hope this can be improved. Wearing protective suits that make sweat pour like rain after just five minutes and repeatedly hearing unreasonable demands is very difficult."

She went on, "All medical staff, hospitals, and public health centers working on COVID-19 are struggling. I would appreciate it if patients could think of us like family and show respect and consideration."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.