Thoughts from a Lab Rat

Some chide the clinic for being old and cramped. Other lauds the clinic for its attentive staff. I find the clinic to be a welcome relief from the big box clinics where everyone is pushed through number by number. The ACPRU has a maximum capacity of 36 but routinely runs 2/3 full. There are only dozens of staff members as opposed to hundreds. During the time you are at the clinic, you get to know the staff and they get to know you. While the dorm rooms may be sparse, a bed with a headboard cubicle shelf, maybe a bathroom, maybe a desk, maybe a humidifier or fan and a view of the parking lot or the surrounding neighborhood, they provide a quiet place to read or rest. Back to the humidifier, the unit is very dry and your skin will feel it after a few days. The humidifier helps a little. The meals are prepared by the hospital, Vista Medical Center East. Every now and again the hospital volunteers host a bingo session played on the TV’s. Play for glamorous prizes against everyone staying in Abbott and everyone else in the hospital. Truly a memorable experience. The clinic uses an electronic logging system which I feel every clinic should use. Every procedure whether it’s a meal, blood draw or vitals is logged using a bar code on a badge you wear around your neck. This provides accurate logging of procedures to the second. You are allowed to have visitors during the day but you and your visitors must stay in the lobby. Visitation is rare nowadays so it’s a nice perk. There is a computer room with a few public computers. Wifi access is only available on the east wing or the area around the computer room. There is a TV with Playstation 2 in a hallway closet. There are 3 satellite TV’s and plenty of videos and board games. All in all, the ACPRU is a pleasant place to spend a few days or longer while helping to further medical science.