A couple of weeks ago, I had my third six-day stay at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in less than a year. This is no one’s spa dream, but I have to comment on yet another positive experience with the Bermuda Hospitals Board. I apologise for not publicly acknowledging my previous two sojourns.

The hospital was full but I had to be admitted. I was placed on Gosling Ward, better known as the children’s ward; they seem to take “overflows” these days. What royal treatment and attention I received, enjoyed and appreciated. I must not forget to mention my two dialysis nurses, who deserve five stars as well.

I had one porter who took me to X-ray and he said, “Wow, you are one of the lucky ones!” I asked, “Why?” He replied that Gosling Ward and all of the departments in the “old hospital” were the best. I have pondered over this statement and he was spot-on.

He told me that all that VIP bling in the Acute Care wing amounted to nothing if you didn’t feel the true Florence Nightingale dedication of the professionals who worked with some old-fashioned challenges. (Don’t get me wrong, there are some wonderful angels in Acute Care.)

I didn’t have a TV for six days and I had a clock that only moved from 4.35 to 5.35 every hour. Meanwhile, cleanliness, empathy, great explanations, good humour and kindness abounded.

TRUDI PUGH

(aka “the ice chip lady”)

Pembroke