Pope to healthcare workers: treat
the sick as people, not as numbers
Pope Francis meets the Italian Catholic Association of
Healthcare Workers on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of its foundation.
By Lydia O'Kane
At the core of the Pope’s discourse to members of the
Association was the defense, respect and promotion of life.
He thanked those gathered on Friday for their “irreplaceable
service” to people who are most vulnerable or in need of assistance because
they are sick, or elderly, or marginalized.
Noting how in recent decades, the system of care and
treatment had changed radically, the Pope also pointed out that along with
advances in technology, ever greater problems of an ethical nature were also
being presented.
Pope Francis underlined that, “any medical practice or
intervention on the human being must first be evaluated carefully to see if it
actually respects life and human dignity.”
Conscientious objection
The practice of conscientious objection, the Pontiff
stressed, in extreme cases where the integrity of human life is endangered, was
based “on the personal need not to act differently from one's own ethical
conviction, but also represents a sign for the health care environment in which
one finds oneself, as well as for the patients themselves and their families”,
he said.
However, Pope Francis underlined, the choice of objection,
must be made with respect and humility, so it does not end up becoming a reason
for contempt or pride.
The Pope said, that in these situations an exchange of
dialogue was a key ingredient, “especially with those who have different
positions”.
Each person is unique and unrepeatable
Pope Francis invited those present to look to the humanity
of Christ who taught that each individual “is not a number, but a person,
unique and unrepeatable.”
During his address, the Pope referred to corporate
efficiency and cost reduction that often puts the needs of the patient in
second place, rather than being accompanied through their illness.
Training and the safeguarding of healthcare professionals
The Pope also pointed to how important it was for healthcare
professionals to have adequate safeguards in their work to avoid the risk of
“burnout” while caring for others.
Noting the Association’s involvement in the field of
training, he encouraged them to pay particular attention to spirituality, so
that this fundamental dimension of the person, often neglected in our time but
so important, is rediscovered and appreciated, especially for those who live with
illness or are close to those who suffer.”
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