The Sole Patient in the Hallway: A Story of Resilience in Beijing's Top Hospital Emergency Ward

The interviewee, a man in his sixties, caught my attention as he sat beside his mother, who was resting on a makeshift military cot in the hallway. This was the only bed in sight, highlighting their predicament.

Interview location: Emergency room hallway, a major hospital in Beijing

Date: March 26, 2023, evening

Q: Can you tell me about the patient’s condition?

Interviewee:“My mother started feeling abdominal pain and had difficulty with bowel movements ten days ago. We rushed her here, as it’s close to our home. Initially, she was placed in emergency internal medicine, but the doctor soon transferred her to emergency surgery. The transition was quick, within ten minutes. The diagnosis was intestinal obstruction. She was on continuous IV fluids for two days, but her condition doesn’t meet the criteria for hospitalization. So, I rented this military cot, and every eight hours, I carry her to the IV room for treatment. Hopefully, she’ll be discharged in a few days.”

Q: It sounds like the treatment process has gone smoothly?

Interviewee:“Yes, the hospital has a priority policy for elderly patients. My mother arrived in the emergency room at 10 PM and saw a doctor within ten minutes. The transfer to a different department was quick too. However, some staff members were not very friendly, but overall, it was manageable.”

Q: Why can’t she rest at home instead of lying in the hallway?

Interviewee:“We live right in the nearby community. Although the eight-hour intervals for IV fluids sound long, it’s not really that bad. Moving her around is hard on her body. I have to pick up prescriptions, make payments, collect medications, and queue for the IV room. Every time I move her from the cot to the recliner in the IV room and back again, it takes about two hours. It would be even more exhausting to go home.”

Q: Why can’t you administer IV fluids by the bedside?Interviewee:“The nurses in the IV room can monitor the patients. If something goes wrong, who is responsible? The nurse? The hospital? Or the family? It’s a hassle every time I wheel her over, especially since the cot won’t fit through the door. The chairs are only reclined, and it’s cramped. Honestly, for such a large hospital, funding shouldn’t be an issue; they should expand and improve the facilities.”

Q: How was the IV process itself?

Interviewee:“It’s been okay. My mother has had so many IVs, but sometimes new nurses have trouble finding veins and need several tries. I understand; everyone has to learn, and practice makes perfect in this skill.”

As we spoke, another family member arrived with food for the elderly woman. They exchanged caring words as they prepared to feed her, bringing our interview to a natural conclusion. The conversation with the interviewee had been relatively relaxed, showcasing his appreciation for the doctors while also highlighting the shortcomings in patient experience. It’s evident that our healthcare system still has a long journey ahead to improve.

Personal Reflections

Hearing this man's experiences in the emergency room was both eye-opening and heart-wrenching. It’s unsettling to witness the realities of our healthcare system, particularly how it handles elderly patients. The idea of a mother lying on a cot in a crowded hallway instead of receiving proper care in a room feels emblematic of larger systemic issues.

His resilience, despite the challenges, struck a chord with me. It’s a reminder of the love and commitment that family members often show during times of crisis. Yet, it also underscores the urgent need for systemic reform—whether it’s improving hospital facilities or ensuring that all patients receive the dignity and respect they deserve during their treatment.

This interview has reinforced my belief that our healthcare system must evolve to be more patient-centered, ensuring that compassion and comfort are just as important as medical expertise.