The slow H1N1 clinics
OK, so there is evidence across Canada of long lines at H1N1 immunization clinics, and the data thus far shows that it could take months to immunize the population at this rate. This could be accelerated significantly if you change a few rules, in the name of “public health emergency”.
First, I heard on the radio last night (Breakinridge show on CHQR770), somebody said they couldn’t let retired nurses work in the clinics because their RN registration was expired. My question is why is it necessary to have RN’s to give these injections. It isn’t that complicated. We could train hundreds of people to give these injections in a few minutes. You only need a few RNs at each clinic to deal with problems like bad reactions, very nervous people, etc.
Second, the procedure of having an RN ask each person all the questions about allergies to eggs, illnesses, etc. and having each person sign a waiver form seems overly bureaucratic. If we want to accelerate this, why wouldn’t we just put up a big sign with those questions, basic information about the vaccine and the risks. In big print. And at the bottom it should say that if you understand and agree, sign the register as you go by it in line. If you have questions, please get in the other line where an RN will answer your questions. This way, those of us who can read and don’t have a lot of questions can get in and out faster.
If this is really an emergency, we should be using battlefield logic to deal with it. Not pandering to the nurses union and government lawyers.
An interesting article in the Post Saturday (Oct 31) proposed having private clinic provide shots in the workplace paid for by employers. Seems like a good deal, save money for the taxpayers and less time off work for the workers.
But the objection is that the paperwork is so complicated, it can only be done by government workers.
Has anyone ever filled out a government form correctly, your tax return maybe?
Gee who designed the system? I wonder.