I may have begun a revolution…and a business…

A short while ago, quite by chance, I learned that Intensive Care Units (ICU) have complied to a paper by Professor Duncan Young, Oxford, and reduced community noise by changing to plastic trolleys and bins with soft close. He found that the noise was far above the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines and did not promote recovery. As a result, ICU is now much quieter and promotes recovery.

I took this and emailed the manager of my local hospital. I hoped to reduce the community noise in the Emergency Department (ED). I got nowhere fast, only eliciting a half-hearted response saying that when there were less busy times, anyone who found ED uncomfortable could be treated in a more personal way. To this, I replied that we do not have second-class patients.

A short while ago, quite by chance, I learned that Intensive Care Units (ICU) have complied to a paper by Professor Duncan Young, Oxford, and reduced community noise by changing to plastic trolleys and bins with soft close. He found that the noise was far above the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines and did not promote recovery. As a result, ICU is now much quieter and promotes recovery.

I took this and emailed the manager of my local hospital. I hoped to reduce the community noise in the Emergency Department (ED). I got nowhere fast, only eliciting a half-hearted response saying that when there were less busy times, anyone who found ED uncomfortable could be treated in a more personal way. To this, I replied that we do not have second-class patients.

I brought this up at a CoG at SWAST, and they were a loss too.

This year I have been in ED three times. The first, I needed pain relief just for being there. The second time I was denied any pain relief or sedative at all. The third time I left before anyone could see me as I was horrified by what I was intended to lie on. I was also discriminated against.

I made a formal complaint and now the ED is under scrutiny and breach of the Equality Act.

I brought this up at a CoG at SWAST, and they were a loss too.

This year I have been in ED three times. The first, I needed pain relief just for being there. The second time I was denied any pain relief or sedative at all. The third time I left before anyone could see me as I was horrified by what I was intended to lie on. I was also discriminated against.

I made a formal complaint and now the ED is under scrutiny and breach of the Equality Act. Watch this space.

Today I contacted a local producer of jams and preserves of all types. I may need to register with the Soil Association. I get so many figs, and next year will have more, as well as tomatoes and, hopefully, apricots.

This time last year I was terribly ill. I feared I would not make it to Christmas. I am so relieved that this autumn is different.

Strange things…

Today has been a day of strange things. I started the morning with my palliative nurse. I like her so much.

Then I had several messages. That was very pleasant.

I went into town briefly and met someone I used to know. She said how I used to make Sunday dinner for them. I was happy to be reminded.

And on my way out of the garden, I ate two figs from my fig tree. I was really happy about that.

Today could have been so different…

Someone arranged to meet me today. I spent a while thinking about cancelling. Then I realised it would do me the world of good to get out in the sunshine, and I could get groceries afterwards.

We outside in the sunshine. It was so mild. We talked for ages. Then we parted company and I went to the market.

I felt good when I got home. My friend has plans for meeting again. I need this so much. Many of my friends are too afraid of the pandemic to go anywhere, which frustrates me.

I have been writing. I feel quite happy with my life. I may have someone staying here for a short while as they need to sort some issues out. If this happens, I shall enjoy it.

The autumn sun is good on my skin, even though less of it is exposed.

I picked all the unripened figs from the tree. I looked up what to do about them. When I came home, I found more flowers in bloom in the garden. I am pleased.

Falling over…

I just took some recycling out to the blue bin. I used my trolley, and forgot to turn it off and part of my touched the reverse gear so I lay flat on my back. I wasn’t hurt but lay there for a moment to get my bearings. I half wondered if someone had seen me as I flipped my skirt down to hide my knickers.

I got up, finished putting the recycling in and went to water the garden. I am thrilled that some of my tomatoes are changing to an orange colour. So I took some more leaves off, to encourage more of this and then I found I have some blueberries on my little bush. They won’t ripen for ages, but it’s a joy.

My strawberries are getting beautifully red, so will go out with a bowl tomorrow. And there are more blooms so another crop will follow. The figs are growing but so is the tree, I suddenly have more branches and leaves. In the autumn I need to prune it hard.

I am writing this early as I feel tired. The weather has been windy and grey. They forecast rain tonight and tomorrow but I’m not relying on that. They’ve got it wrong so many times.

My left foot is painful at times. I saw some socks called Dr Soothers. Said they take away pain and improve circulation. What I imagined I don’t know. They are compression socks without toes. When I finally managed to get one on, it felt very strange. I wore one to bed and took it off as soon as I woke. As the day went on my foot felt better and better. I was surprised, but pleased. I will wear it when ever my foot feels achy or painful. (During the night.)

It’s been lovely to watch Test cricket highlights on terrestial TV. I love cricket. England v West Indies is always good. Brian Lara, W. I. legend, retired the summer my daughter was born. Her father and I talked about asking if one of his jackets with his surname on it was available, but we never got around to it. She has plenty of other places and music etc famous for her name.

At the weekend, over 100 hundred people looked up my blog on their browser before 9am. These figures aren’t unusual, but that early in the morning is odd. I’m given up being freaked out by the numbers who visit here. I’m doing nothing wrong.

I’ll relax now. Kick back and enjoy the evening.