An extraordinary day
“Every hour focus your mind attentively…on the performance of the task in hand, with dignity, human sympathy, benevolence and freedom, and leave aside all other thoughts. You will achieve this, if you perform each action as if it were your last.”
Marcus Aurelius
Day 3.
An ordinary Thursday, yet today was extraordinary. A morning of planning, an afternoon of clinic. A hospital full of life, full of activity. Amidst the familiar routine something subtle has shifted. But it is there, noted in all the little interactions. Warm greetings with old colleagues, a smile and a hello to all staff no matter how familiar or strange. People within our department are drawing closer … we are a team. But further afield I sense it too … not only from other doctors but from nurses, auxiliaries, administrative assistants and domestics alike. A new camaraderie is emerging. It seems effortless and natural, very welcome, and actually rather emotional. We are busy preparing and looking out for each other. Am I getting a distorted sense from the same lens of perception? I don’t think so … we all know to get ready and that we are stronger together. Please note there is no panic. Rather there is a calm sense of determination that we will all do whatever is necessary to make it better. Everyone will play a part. Everyone can help. We would be foolish to underestimate what we are up against. So calmly we prepare.
In the gastroenterology unit we have made a lot of plans today. From tomorrow we are moving to a virtual clinic setup. We will protect our patients by practicing social distancing. All visits from non-essential external personnel are banned. The telephone helpline has been enhanced. Everyone has a script for common questions from IBD patients about COVID19. We have plans to protect the infusion suite. The IBD unit will continue to offer the care to our patients that is needed.
And on a personal note I want to share 2 things. Firstly, I am getting much better at not shaking hands (7 days and counting) nor touching my face (that is hard). Plus, I received the most incredible gift from my all my current and previous fellows. In celebration of my professorship they have bought me this official NASA collection of all the Apollo mission pins. They know me well … I am a massive space geek, and this is THE most incredible gift. Designed to be hung (with pride) on my way of my new university office. I thank you all deeply with all my heart.
“Relentlessly prune bullshit, don’t wait to do things that matter, and savour the time you have.”
Paul Graham