Shiny, happy people

Well, you all know what a party animal Quent is. Having seen the great turnout to his last "do", he threw another impromptu gathering last night. All the usual crowd turned up. No abseiling off high buildings this time, but his blood pressure dropped (to 57/34) in the same impressive style. Quent didn't pass out this time, but he had blurred vision, a vast intake of fluids and was sick all over the bed. Plus ca change...

Everyone agreed that enough was enough. Even the Prof said it was obviously over. Today is recovery day and, although still very weak, Quent is already able to read the paper. He can't yet stand unaided, but we are still the morning after the night before.

Talking of reading the paper, I read this week that nurses are going to be sent on courses to learn how to smile. Apparently there are too many cases of "Sorry, not my patient". Well, Nathan House nurses need not attend. The staff here really are amazing. NOTHING is too much trouble and the smiles are constant. I've said it before but I'll say it again - they really do seem to care about their patients. Having finally got home last night after a 12 hour shift looking after Quent, one nurse called in to see how he was doing. Instead of "Sorry, not my patient", their mantra is "I'll do it for you". They do regular handovers to each other so everyone knows what is happening with all the patients. Whoever is nearest will jump up to answer a bell, change a drip or empty the commode. It's an amazing team and we are very, very lucky to be in their care.

Our next visit is not until mid May, as Prof is away for two weeks before that. This has definitely been the hardest round to date but the sun is out and tomorrow, we will be too.