TOW #7: Written - "C.E.O. of Texas Hospital Group Apologizes for Mistakes in Ebola Cases" by Frances Robles and Manny Fernandez

Ebola seemed to be the name of a foreign disease until it became a reality for the United States. Thomas Duncan, who was the carrier of the disease entered Houston, Texas after a trip from Africa. Despite admitting into the hospital for symptoms that matched those of Ebola, the hospital misdiagnosed the disease and sent Duncan on his way. After this visit to the hospital, Duncan soon passed away due to the detrimental disease.

Outrage for the misdiagnosis of the disease was directed towards the hospital. The New York Times published an article that was about an apology of the medical errors and the protocols that will be taken to ensure that no one else is infected with the disease. The C.E.O., in his apology, utilizes pathos. Clearly emphasizing that the hospital staff members made mistakes, he accepts these errors and hopes that the public will understand. He repeatedly states that despite the best intentions of the hospital, the staff made mistakes due to human errors such as a lack of communication. When the authors of the article described the situation of ebola, they provided visual text (seen below). With the use of a calendar, they depicted the series of events in chronological order. This provided readers who were not knowledgeable about the situation with background information.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/20/us/ceo-of-texas-hospital-group-at-center-of-ebola-scare-apologizes-for-mistakes.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=LedeSum&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

The article addresses the hysteric public. Ebola seems to be more realistic and fear has stuck many of the American people. In order to appease the public, the authors describe the precautions and protocols taking place. With the meticulous steps described by health officials, this brings peace and a sense of more security for the public who is afraid of also being affected by the disease. The article even mentions the two nurses who currently have the disease and explains the very low possibility of other hospital staff becoming sick.

Robles and Fernandez attempt to convince the public that health facilities are doing the best to keep the disease contained and monitored. I believe that the article gives off a sense of relief to those who may have been worried. Keeping the public calm is crucial to the fight against Ebola.