Give families access to COVID victims

While many have been horribly affected by COVID-19, many more are further devastated by hospital policies that restrict patients from even having a loved one around them at their most desperate and vulnerable moment.

As we pastors are inundated with story after story of people forced to live out days, weeks and sometimes months, cut off from their spouses, children, families and loved ones, I cannot help but wonder what pain, trauma and devastation we are further inflicting upon these unfortunate souls.

Not only must they suffer physically, but now even their spirits are broken as they are forced to do it alone - often afraid and disoriented.

Hospitals tout "dignified" treatment as a hallmark of their patient care, yet what's more undignified than keeping husbands, wives, grandmothers and grandfathers away from their decadeslong spouses? Or from their loving children and grandchildren?

This is cruelty and inhumanity at its highest level. At the core of the human spirit is the desire to be with those they love; even more so when they are in pain, distress and trauma.

Yet, in the name of quality care and "safety" for the community, we have allowed those in power to undermine even the most basic tenets of patient care, dignity and respect.

"This is for your own good" has never been a reasonable rationale to inflict cruelty upon another.

Dignity and quality spiritual, mental and emotional care should not have to be sacrificed on the altar of "safety."

Science and data undeniably prove that recovery rates are far greater for those who receive physical human interaction with their loved ones as opposed to those who do not.

Arguing that interaction through an iPad or FaceTime is just as good is nothing more than gaslighting.

COVID is not going away tomorrow and maybe not even a year from now.

Hospitals and the health care industry have had more than enough time to come up with a safe, reasonable and humane way of allowing families into the fight for the lives of their loved ones.

Allowing family, friends, clergy and loved ones a part to play in the recovery process should not be a luxury, it is a critical part of the care that each patient needs and should have access to.

The Rev. Mark Valkanet

Living Waters Assembly of God

Grayslake