RE: Another Smelly Patient Problem

[Guest guest]

As a manager, I have had to write a private note to an individual asking them to

consider better hygiene, deodorant, etc. in respect for others in the clinic,

quoting complaints by others. ( " in our department we take customers complaints

seriously...I have received complaints from other customers and I need to act on

them, just as I would if you had a complaint... " ) I would suggest mentioning

the positives like his attentiveness to his mother, etc. so that it may become

somewhat acceptable to him.

I agree that this is an uncomfortable situation, but you owe it to your other

patients and staff. When does lack of hygiene become an infection control

issue?

If the manager provides the communication, the therapist doesn't risk their

patient-therapist relationship.

Those are my thoughts.

Dan , PT

PT Manager

Vernon Memorial Hospital

Viroqua, WI 54665

dnelson@...

From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On Behalf Of

Mt. Eden Physical Therapy

Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 6:19 PM

To: PTManager

Subject: Another Smelly Patient Problem

I wondered if you managers had a tactful way of dealing with this type of

situation:

We are treating an elderly, disabled women who is wheelchair bound. She is

brought in for treatment by her son who is morbidly obese, wears filthy

clothing and ..he smells terrible! This man sticks to his mom like glue.

He can't stay in the waiting room (he'd drive our other patients away) and

his odor is intolerable in the treatment room.

Any tactful, artful suggestions would be appreciated.

Viel, Office Manager

Mt. Eden Physical Therapy Center

19845 Lake Chabot Road, Suite 205

Castro Valley, CA 94546

FAX

www.mtedenpt.com

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