Doctor's orders & disposables

Sunday 19th July, 2020

As yesterday's piece noted I have been in hospital for a TURP operation which was, so the surgeon said, successful. I got home after 58 hours and was delighted to be back. Of course a few after effects are still reminding me that my body has been invaded in an attempt to heal it.

I am filled with gratitude and admiration for the NHS staff at all levels. The clerical staff have monitored and advised me, the medical staff have examined and helped me, the surgical staff have righted me, the cleaning staff have ensured a spic and span environment and the culinary staff have fed me very well. It was an amazing coordination resulting in a goodly outcome. Truly appreciated.

My surprises were manifold also. The Ward was at the most thirty percent full. Some of the surgical theatres not in use. Many of the night nurses were bored but kindly made tea and gave sympathy. It just all felt under used. When I queried, it was related to the Covid pandemic, I was informed. People frightened to come forward. Some routines stopped etc because of fear of overwhelming the hospitals. I am not the Director of all this but I was mildly puzzled by it when one hears of the demands and needs.

I was also surprised by the very major use of non recyclable, non re cleanable or sterilisable plastics. Every patient had new gloves and apron when approached. One nurse said she used over 75 pairs of plastic gloves a day...all thrown away. We have not, it seems, invented appropriate garbs. I just thought of the waste, the environment, the oceans....images of which are often on television and in newspapers.

Interestingly one morning I washed myself using a big, new plastic bowl. It had the water in it. It was great. When I was leaving the hospital the nurse was holding it. She said, on my asking, that it was to be thrown away as it could not be re used. So I asked for it and it sits happily next to me as I write...it will be used and valued and remind me of the good things of the NHS, although also of the costs thereof.

The greatest joy was the food. I love my food very hot. I am not good with tepid food. Well the PRI has a system by which the food tray seems to have two halves. One half is extremely hot, the other cold. So the savoury beef and the chicken casserole I had were not only hot in themselves but so was the plate and the tray on which they were served. I can hear someone cry but what of the dangers of being burned etc....were you warned, were notices around? All was well.....if they can be so aware of Covid and infection they can be aware of health hazards.

It has been a fascinating and amazing and even enjoyable, enriching and freeing experience. Human beings are remarkable...such medical advances and cures and talented people involved. They saved me..can we now please save the world and each other from poverty, hunger, disease, war and abuse and the climate changes?

Lastly but not least....quite a few emails and letters have said to me 'rest and be kind to yourself'. Yes, I am resting and being kind. In fact my first act on getting home was to be very kind indeed to myself.....I gave myself from a gift sent me and ate a huge bar of milk chocolate. Superb. It made me feel so good.