The Hospital

 

I finally got to go back to the hospital today. Me and Father Gabirel had a quick Krio lesson before Vicar General Dominic drove me to Holy Spirit Hospital. I met Dr. Turay and Sister Juliana again. I also met the administration manager of the hospital. We had a meeting about the best course of action going forward. Today, we started slowly by showing me around the hospital and introducing me to the staff.

 

Sister Juliana, the head nurse or matron, showed me where the different wards are, where the surgical theatres are, where physical therapy is, etc. The hospital is much smaller than other hospitals I’ve been to. All the wards and clinics are split between many different buildings. It will take me a while to know where everything is. I met other clinicians, nurses, the pharmacist, Human Resources, Finances, and lab techs. It’s going to take me a while to remember everyone’s names too. But no one seems to have any problem with my name. Everyone is so surprised to hear the name Sally is an American name and a Sierra Leonean name.

 

Sister Juliana told me that she is from Kenya, and it took her a while to get used to speaking Krio and how the hospital is run too. She says I will get it, I just need to be patient with myself. For lunch, Sister Juliana took me to the canteen. It’s called the Hastine Restaurant, where we were greeted by a woman wearing a green apron with a logo belonging to a coffee organization that shall remain nameless. Sadly, the restaurant does not have a coffee shop, though they do serve instant coffee.

 

The canteen has a pretty good menu. I ordered chicken, cuscus, and a veggie salad. They even had cold sodas! For some reason they also served me pasta with ketchup on it. I don’t know why. Maybe it just comes with the cuscus. Next time I think I’ll order something that’s more local. I was thinking the cassava leaf stew. Most of the staff eat there for lunch. I think I’ll like eating there. It’s clean and pretty with purple and gold decorations on the walls and tables. And there are no doors, only light flowing curtains with roses on them. It keeps the canteen nice and cool. I plan to have breakfast there tomorrow morning.

 

My work schedule for now will be Monday through Thursday from 8:00-2:00. I think that’s a good place to start. I know I’m going to be learning so much from everyone while I’m there. And the best part about working there is the air conditioning!  I’m looking forward to spending more and more time at the hospital!