This letter was sent to Ms Lorraine Beasley, the Patient Safety Officer for Bermuda Hospitals Board, and copied to The Royal Gazette.

November 6, 2013

Dear Ms Beasley,

Some weeks ago I found myself diagnosed with a case of severe pneumonia and sent for admission to the hospital. Alerted by my medical history, the Emergency Ward doctor suspected that it might be a return of my childhood tuberculosis, and an isolation room was prepared for me and I was warned that I could be there up to two weeks.

Unlike most patients admitted into hospital, I had no pain or discomfort. My breathing was somewhat constricted and I was constantly fatigued, but in an isolation room I didn’t need to do anything more strenuous than lie down or occasionally stroll around the room.

I went armed with my iPad (books and podcasts and Skype and e-mail — thank you for the free Wi-Fi, KEMH!) and small DVD player with box sets. Later my husband brought along a kettle and tea bags.

I had a wonderful time: gorgeous view of the South Shore from the windows, very comfortable bed, passable food (occasionally very good), lots of space and no roommate to consider, and good care from a delightful team of doctors and nurses, who found it hilarious how much I was enjoying my “holiday” at KEMH. In particular I would like to thank Eunice and Heather, and especially Cedric, even though he did not fulfil his promise to come sing me to sleep.

In particular I should mention the cleaner who came on weekdays, whose name I do not have. She had a delightful personality and every inch of everything in that room. A truly great worker.

Thank you also to Dr Adesanya and his colleagues, for entertaining conversation and some good laughs — and of course their medical expertise.

It was not, in the end, TB, and the intravenous antibiotic finally got a grip on the pneumonia. I was released 12 days later, and emerged fully rested, refreshed and delighted with my experience. If one must go into isolation, there is no better place than the KEMH! My grateful thanks to everyone.

Sincerely,

Helle Patterson.