HOSPITAL DAY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 October 1941, Page 2

HOSPITAL DAY

NEW PATIENT’S EXPERIENCE. (Contributed.) Here is a short account of my first 24 hours as a patient in the men’s ward of the Masterton Public Hospital. Arriving about 2.15 p.m., I was directed to the office where a sprightly young lady drew from me the story of my life. Are you of Aryan blood? Sure! I was born in Eire, so am pure Eirean. This appeared satisfactory, and my doctor arriving, I was placed in a wheel-chair, and with my suitcase was conveyed to Ward “X” where I was placed in charge of a most efficient and charming young nurse, who listed all my lares and penates, and placed them in what looked like a frigidaire, but was really a cupboard, took my temperature, and tucked me securely into bed. I had now time to look round.

About 100 feet by 30 feet, with high ceilings and large windows and two wide verandahs in front, the ward is both commodious and comfortable. Great bowls of spring flowers down the centre of the room delight the eye, and supply the artistic touch. Lights up! Blinds down and five o'clock tea is on. A tempting stew is offered, with bacon and eggs as an alternative. The meal brought into being the full staff of nurses 'in the ward, and a cheering sight they are. Lithe, trim and neat in their white costumes and caps, their actions are prompt and, dispensed by the sister, the meal is served in a very few minutes. The clear-ing-up process is equally speedy. A quiet period now for a time, and soon smokers light up their “gaspers,” and lie at such ease as their infirmities permit.

A good supply of books and periodicals is available, and wireless headphones are much in evidence. Seven o'clock and coffee is served, after which we are all tucked in securely with our hot-water bottles, several of the “well” patients assist in this ceremony, as they do throughout the day. Night nursing is a branch of the service that calls for more than usual tact. They glide through the ward on noiseless feet, and to the sleepy patients, with half-open eyes they seem, with their small flash lamps, like fireflies alighting on the different beds. Ever on the alert, they give a quick but silent response, and for anv call of a more serious nature the night sister is prompt to assist and counsel. God bless the night nurses! At 5 a.m. there is hot tea for those who desire it. I was one and it is quite refreshing. At 6 a.m. lights up and temperatures are taken. . All creeds and classes are admitted as patients. At 6.30 I had the distinguished honour of having a bath in company with what might have been Sabu—the Elephant Boy—and the Chinese Ambassador. On my departure from the bathroom, they probably discussed the prices of apples and bananas. Back to bed which has been re-

made, and our interest is invited on the approach of the meal waggon, with breakfast. Porridge, poached eggs, great trays of toast and hot tea warm us up for, and prepare some, of us for the pains and perils of the day. There is no rest for the nursing staff. Everyone to their separate duties, which are many and onerous—shifting beds, punching pillows, sweeping and dusting and continuous attention to the patients’ comforts, smiling with unconcern at the quips and sallies of the more humorous. The nursing staff, from sisters to latest recruits, maintain their poise, and are the very essence of the glory of their merciful caiiing. At 10 a.m. bowls of hot soup are to the fore. There is no “let up” on the sustenance. A mild questionnaire on the general bodily health of all is individually answered. The daily visit of the Matron—a commanding personality, exuding kindness, with a great knowledge of human nature, and the visits of the various doctors to their patients, brings us up to dinner, 12 noon. Various meats, great heaps of vegetables and potatoes, and an assortment of puddings. A siesta till hot tea at 2.30 p.m. brought me up to my 24 hours’, stay and experience. I’m still there and full of pep!