As a medical receptionist at a busy Melbourne hospital, I often find myself in a position where I need to ask patients about their next of kin. It’s an essential part of our protocol, particularly when dealing with patients who may require sedation or have underlying health issues. These moments have made me acutely aware of the significance of having someone to rely on in times of need.
One day, while interacting with a patient, I asked her if she wanted to add a next of kin to her records. Her response struck me profoundly. She looked at me with a hint of sadness in her eyes and said, “No one. I don’t have anyone. I’m alone here.” Her Spanish name and accent hinted at her immigrant status, and I couldn’t help but wonder how long she had been living in Australia. In that moment, I contemplated offering to be her next of kin, as I speak Spanish and, like her, don’t have family in Australia.
This encounter left me thinking about the many patients who come through our doors without a support system. I wondered about the individuals who miss their medical appointments because they have no one to rely on for transportation or assistance after procedures. It made me realize the challenges and vulnerabilities that people face when they don’t have a network of family or friends to turn to in times of health crises.
In 2019, I experienced a car accident while on holiday in New Zealand with my mother. The accident occurred during an icy downpour, and our car skidded out of control on a bridge. Thankfully, we received prompt and thorough medical care. During our hospital stay, I couldn’t help but think about the importance of having family nearby in times of need. My sister, who worked as a nurse at the same hospital, became a minor celebrity among the hospital staff for caring for both our mother and me simultaneously.
Although my mother and I recovered well from the accident, I now carry the burden of added strain on my knee, which may eventually require a knee replacement. Living in an upstairs apartment, I sometimes worry about how I will manage post-surgery when climbing stairs becomes challenging.
A similar realization came through a friend’s experience. She suffered a serious elbow injury after a fall in one of Melbourne’s cobbled alleyways. Her bone didn’t heal correctly, necessitating multiple scans and appointments while she was unable to drive. Witnessing her struggles, I recognized the importance of having someone to rely on during medical emergencies and the logistical challenges that can arise.
One afternoon, during a casual gathering at her kitchen table, my friend proposed an idea that resonated with all of us. She suggested that our group of friends, most of whom are approaching 50 and have no family in Australia, should make arrangements to become each other’s next of kin. The concept involved sharing our medical histories, work contact numbers, and the contact details of our distant family members, whom we would notify in case of an emergency. This idea seemed not only practical but also essential for ensuring mutual support and care within our close-knit group.
In an increasingly interconnected world, where many individuals live far from their family of origin, building a support network among friends can make all the difference. This experience has taught me that while family may be distant, a chosen family of friends can provide the care and assistance needed during life’s unexpected challenges. We may not share blood ties, but we share a bond of trust and support that is just as vital when it comes to our health and well-being.
