I admit, I'm a pedant. I don't claim to be perfect at it, but to me, spelling matters. I have an editor and a sub-editor for this blog who regularly pick up on mistakes I make, as well as using the sppel chekking fasility, because grammatical errors aren't picked up.
So, in a begging open letter to our call takers, I ask you to please check your spelling.
I know that if the message on the screen tells me the patient has "palpertayshuns", I can understand what it means.
I know that if the patient apparently has narrowed "artoreys", he's at risk of heart problems, and not, as would seem at first glance, that he's a high-risk attorney.
Vomiting. It has one 'T'. Lots of carrots and a dreadful smell, but - Only. One. T.
Assmah. Really? Or are you just sending coded messages as to what you think of me?
Stares. As in "The patient fell down the stares." Into my deep, dark, bloodshot eyes?
And many, many others. Some amusing, some confusing.
So please, dear call takers. I know it all happens in a hurry, I know the callers aren't always calm, clear and concise. And believe me, I know, that for all the tea in China, I couldn't do your job. But I beg of you; please, please, check your spelling before sending it down the computer to the often baffled crew...
Anyone else out there got some good ones to share? Feel free to add your comments!
