A Letter from Leighton

We understand from his son and editor on AudlemOnline that Ralph has been temporarily discharged from hospital whilst awaiting a gall bladder operation. Nevertheless we thought this a useful insight into his stay in Leighton

With apologies to the late Alistair Cooke.

Being incarcerated here for a few days I thought that I would share some thoughts, facts, musings , observations from my end bed in ward 13 ( an unfortunate choice of number but I had but little choice ).

Ward 13 is a six bedder with all patients herein either awaiting surgery or recovering from surgery.I am waiting for a date for theatre , and meantime the pain does not lessen. One of the effects of all this lying around , more often affixed via the Cannula inserted into my hand last Friday night and then imprisoned to my wheeling post -- a friend that goes wherever I go . It is a lot slimmer than I have become with such a sedentary lifestyle. And too many good meals.

On that subject, the kitchens here have to produce some 1600 meals each and every day , offering a wide choice of foods. And even more astounding is that each meal is delivered to the patient at the right temperature, with piping hot soups etc. A mammoth task. Food offer is a choice of 6 main course, 4 accompaniments and 4 sweets . And all the meals I have had -- too many as it happens -- have been very good. Not one complaint .
But now I have to rein back and crash diet .

My view is perfect as I have a window bed and look out to the sunny side all the day long . It does get a tad warm later which means lying in ones pants atop the bed clothes .
My day is about to start. Breakfast of yoghurt, then pills and more pills .

At about 0930 , surgeon here to tell me good news. I hope
More blood tests. Pressure tests , temperature etc all though the day
Very boring.

Papers arrive which is a highlight and books of course.

All staff here very willing and helpful. And dedicated to a trying job, dealing with a wide range of men.Some of whom can be quite irascible

Hope your day has more excitement and is a happy one .

Ralph Warburton

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.