Longest day ever

I haven't really got time to explain everything that happened today, as we have to be up very early tomorrow to help cover the staff that are striking.
So I went with Thandie, one of the patients to the hospital, not realising how long it would take nor how far away it was. We left at 8am and got back at 6pm! The Hospital was fine, lovely staff, lovely hospital. Probably better than some of our private ones...it was immaculate and HUGE. But very confusing...got sent to loads of different places.
I felt terrible for Thandie. She really wants to get back to work, but she can't walk because she has neuropathy in her legs, so her nerves are wasting away basically. The doctor said its her HIV medication that is causing this, so there is nothing we can do. He sent us up to occupational therapy for some ankle splints to keep her foot in the right position so her muscles don't get damaged. She wet herself while we were there and I was completely alone dealing with her. I really struggled but I felt useful for once at least. And all the staff were so friendly there. They were very interested in who I was and everyone treated me and Thandie with such respect. So it was quite an alright day, I just wish the news had of been better for Thandie. She takes everything well though, she just says there is nothing she can do, but pray to God for strength.
We were done by 1pm though, but then had to wait until 5pm for the transportation to come. I'm glad I was there with Thandie because I can talk to her so easily and she can talk to me. She was telling me some very private information about her relationship with her husband, which I felt a bit awkward about, but was glad that she felt able to open up to me. But then, we did have a lot of time to kill.
A nurse from the Dream Centre had come with us, but I barely saw her all day. She came over at one point though while we were waiting for the ambulance and started talking in Zulu to Thandie, who then handed the nurse some money. I didn't know what they were saying so never thought anything of it. After she'd gone, Thandie told me that she had demanded money from Thandie, so she could buy some food and drink for herself. I was appauled. Thandie had offered to buy me a drink, but I refused naturally. I asked her why she didn't just say no, and she said that the nurse would hate her if she didn't and some people were just like that...needed something from you in order to like you. These patients are poor, probably poorer than the staff at any rate. But a few of the volunteers have had experiences like this. One patient asked one of the volunteers for their money, because the nurse had told him that we were keeping it for him, which we are not. The volunteer asked around but all the staff claimed no knowledge of this mans money. This happens a lot apparently. Its so frustrasting because all the directors know it goes on. We have a new TV and DVD player sitting locked upstairs in boxes, but we can't use it because we've been told it will definately be stolen. I don't understand why this is allowed to carry on. I don't care how poor the staff are, the patients are just as poor if not more so and the staff are abusing their positions. They should be glad to have a job, but instead they take advantage because they know there are no consequences. Its so irritating! 
I also missed some excitement while I was away today. There was a patient brought in a while ago, who had been found naked on the motorway, and without her 2 year old child (who no one knows what has happened to) and very confused. She broke some glass today and tried to slit her throat with it. I think the nurses managed to calm her down without her hurting herself, but it must have been so awful. None of us volunteers had to witness it thankfully, but some said they could hear it from the Garden. Scary stuff. I just wish they were doing more here for the patients psychologically. Like Edward...he's been really messed up by the war and there is no psychological treatment for his PTSD, just drugs to keep him calm. He told me today that he can't sleep because he keeps having flashbacks. Its just no good enough. Feel a bit frustrated about that too. Wish I could wave a magic wand, but suppose if everything were that easy, life would be pretty boring. Easy to say that when life is as cushy as mine though. 
I'll let you know how the strikes go tomorrow! Wish us luck!  

Add reaction

Name *:
E-mail *:	(will not be visible)
Content *:
Anti spam *:	Type the code on the left in the box below