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Hand over happening, staff go into huddles
Notes exchanged, plans are made, for the day ahead
With last-minute check-ups
On fragile bed-bound people
Everyone relieved that no patient is dead
Patients now awaken, still sluggish and sleepy
Observations taken, first of the day
With blood pressure, temperature
And O2 saturation
Urine pans emptied without delay
Breakfast is beginning, the smell of toast pervading
The tea trolley rattles down the long corridor
With cups of hot coffee, cold milk
And orange juice
Served by the ancillary, a real warrior!
Bed changes needed, student nurses practising
Efficient use of time whilst learning how to care
With sheets ripped off, towels swapped
And thin thermal blankets laid
The smell of fresh bedding fills the air
Cleaners creep round the rooms, quietly sweeping
The remnants of yesterday’s working day
With mops wetted, floors wiped
And bathrooms glistening
Sparkling and shiny, come what may
Prescriptions to be issued, pharmacists hurrying
To sort the medications for all on the ward
With cabinets opened, drugs checked
And pills popped
Hospital cocktails from a metal-box hoard
Consultants with an entourage, visit each invalid
Face masks donned, aprons worn, big deep breaths
With a stethoscope ready
They hear a heartbeat steady
Trying to save patients from cancer-causing deaths
I loved the morning routine on the ward. The photo is of the corridor view from one of my rooms. Throughout there are lovely photos - except ironically as patients we hardly saw them as we weren’t allowed out of our room to walk about. The structure of this poem is based upon “Cargoes” by John Masefield which has a brilliant rhythm.
Flynne’s Barn is a place where young people living with cancer can come together and find connection in beautiful surroundings and provides a range of immersive outdoor and creative experiences. I am sharing one poem per day during September 2022 to raise money for this charity. To DONATE, visit my GO FUND ME page. Many thanks.
Friends of ANCHOR is one of my local cancer and haematology care charities. It does an awesome job, providing wellbeing support, funding research and equipment as well as coming alongside staff to cover the cost of development opportunities. Head to their Facebook page to keep up to date with their events, latest news and volunteer opportunities.
Morning on the Ward
You've shown how human routine and organization can bring comfort to the underlying fears of illness and death. It's riveting, starkly beautiful, and ultimately healing.
Hello Juliet
Your poems are giving me a real insight into all you have been through. The poem Being Admitted made me cry.
Sharing your experiences to raise awareness of blood cancers and Flynne’s Barn is inspiring. I’m going to donate all money from my sales on Vinted this month. Won’t be hundreds but every penny helps doesn’t it ? 😉. Sending warmest wishes to you, Mark and your family xxx
Maggie MacDonald