In response to many complaints and based on the success of a similar program to gather student feedback on the low-flow showerhead controversy, the SG has launched a section of its act.ausg.org to gather student feedback about the Health Center.
The Health Center also began using a comment box in mid-February to gather student feedback. So far, more than 200 responses have been received, and Health Center Director Dan Bruey says he reads all of them.
These new feedback-collection programs are a great place to start, and it's good to know that the Health Center is making an effort to address what students have been unhappy about for a while. In this spirit, The Eagle's editorial board contributes the following comments for how the Health Center could improve:
Add weekend hours. Not only do many students simply not have time to go to the Health Center during the week, many get sick over the weekend, or may need things like emergency contraception. Receiving antibiotics - or Plan B - on a Saturday rather than a Monday can make a big difference for a student.
Boost customer service. Students shouldn't hear voice mail saying that it's spring break two days after classes resume, nor should they have to wait 15 minutes to schedule an appointment.
Misdiagnoses. Whether it's simply timing of appointments or a larger problem with the staff, there has to be a way to fix the number of misdiagnoses reported by students - and many of us have heard tales of woe from friends.
Advocating for and informing students. Health Center staff should be visible and available to students in more ways than just seeing them at scheduled appointments, and the Center should do more health workshops and student health advocacy.
