Kudos to Arima Hospital staffers

THE EDITOR: When my doctor told me to go to the hospital, after a medical examination of my chest and lungs, I thought to myself: Go to a hospital in Trinidad? She might as well have told me to jump off the Twin Towers.

I made my peace with God, just in case, and went to the Arima District Hospital.

As I entered the compound, I can tell you in advance that the external beauty of this structure is no match for the beauty of the workers inside.

The wheelchair operator came to collect my from my car and I told her, "This is my first time here." She assured me, “You will get the best treatment here.” Boy, was she right!

The staff worked on me immediately and tried to regularise my situation. There was order, compassion, gentleness, thorough questioning by Dr Maloo, who then informed me of his plan of action for my recovery.

Various tests were done and the results noted on my file that very same night.

Over the next seven days of my being warded, I observed:

No overworked nurses, no overcrowded wards. No one was sitting on the floor awaiting a bed. No hoggish, abrasive or hostile behaviour toward patients. The gentleness of the nurses was enough to start your healing proces. There was politeness, courtesy and respect for all.

Everyone was willing to assist. Drs Ali, Marsang, Badal, Samaroo, Sanchez, and many others, thank you very much.

Dr Wills, your graciousness, gentleness, patience in answering my questions all helped to expedite my healing.

To nurses Massy, Holloway, Philip and all those who cared for me, thank you very much. You all are gems and displayed the ideals of the very first nurse, Florence Nightingale.

I commend the administration of this hospital. Special thanks to the Chief of Staff who operated with such humility that no one could easily identify your lofty rank.

One day the chief came into the ward and saw that a bed was soiled. The chief immediately got that issue dealt with.

In my faith, we are taught, “if you want to be great in God’s kingdom, learn to be a servant of all.”

I close with a bit of cynicism. Another patient told me, "This would not last very long. The politicians would soon interfere and spoil everything." I hope she is wrong, otherwise we will be back to square one.

RUTH SAMAROO

Arouca