As the holiday season approaches, healthcare professionals like Dr. Laura Pulido from Mataró Hospital are preparing to work through christmas and New year’s,ensuring that urgent medical needs are met. with half of her surgical team on vacation during the festive week, Dr. Pulido emphasizes the importance of teamwork and flexibility in scheduling, allowing staff to balance their personal and professional commitments. Despite the challenges,the atmosphere in the hospital remains festive,with decorations and shared meals among colleagues,creating a sense of camaraderie. Dr. Pulido notes that while the work is demanding, the dedication to patient care during these critical times is unwavering, as they handle emergencies like appendicitis and heart attacks, ensuring that no patient is left unattended during the holidays.
Q&A with Dr. Laura Pulido on Holiday Healthcare Challenges and Teamwork
Editor: As the holiday season approaches, we know many healthcare professionals, like yourself, face unique challenges.Can you share what it’s like to work during this festive period at Mataró hospital?
Dr. Pulido: Absolutely.The holiday season can be quite busy for us. With half of my surgical team on vacation, we have to be extremely flexible with our scheduling. It’s essential that we maintain high standards of care while also allowing our staff to enjoy time with their loved ones. The teamwork here is crucial; we often rely on each other to ensure that all urgent medical needs are met, especially with emergencies like appendicitis and heart attacks that don’t take holidays.
Editor: That sounds like a significant challenge. How do you foster teamwork under such pressure, especially when so many colleagues are away?
dr. Pulido: Dialog is key. We make it a priority to discuss our schedules collectively and ensure that everyone feels supported. By maintaining an open dialogue about our availability and workload, we can balance our personal and professional commitments effectively. It’s vital for the designated team to feel empowered and motivated, especially during a time when patient care might take precedence over holiday festivities.
Editor: You mentioned the atmosphere in the hospital remains festive. What does that look like in practise, and how does it impact staff morale?
Dr. Pulido: Despite the demanding work, we create a sense of camaraderie through decorations and shared meals among colleagues. It’s vital for maintaining morale. We celebrate small victories, and just taking a moment to enjoy each other’s company helps lighten the mood. It’s a reminder that, even in challenging situations, we are all in this together, committed to providing the best care possible for our patients.
Editor: That’s a great insight! Many readers may be curious about practical advice for managing work-life balance in high-demand fields like healthcare during the holidays.What can you suggest?
Dr. Pulido: Prioritizing clear communication and setting expectations are essential. Use scheduling tools to keep track of who is available and when,and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. It’s also beneficial to establish small traditions that give everyone a sense of joy during the holidays, like bringing in treats or setting aside time to acknowledge each other’s hard work. most importantly, remember to take care of yourself; staying healthy and rested is crucial to taking care of others.
Editor: That’s excellent advice,Dr. Pulido. Lastly, how do you perceive the dedication to patient care during the holidays, and what message do you want to convey to the public about it?
Dr.Pulido: The dedication from healthcare professionals is unwavering. We’re fully aware that emergencies can arise anytime, and we are committed to ensuring that no patient goes unattended, even during the holidays.I want to convey our gratitude for the public’s understanding and support during these times. We take our roles seriously and strive to provide high-quality care for every individual, regardless of the season. Our mission doesn’t pause, and we’re here to help.
editor: Thank you, Dr. Pulido, for sharing these insights. Your dedication and the teamwork within Mataró Hospital truly embody the spirit of the season.