FICTION
(Part Autobiographical)
SYNOPSIS of Imprisoned by the System. 16 Chapters, BOOK
COMPLETED
Freda's working life changes dramatically. For the final five
years before retirement she chooses to care for the mentally
handicapped.
With some nursing experience under her belt, she enters the
profession assuming that all nursing staff must be dedicated
kind people, and all inmates’ pathetic souls that require
patience, tolerance and understanding. She was to discover
disparity on both counts. On her first day she encounters the
staff nurse who is hard, cynical and unfeeling. This endears
Freda to her patients with resolute protection. She becomes
popular with the majority because she cares, listens and
observes much to the resentment of her nursing colleagues. The
Ward Sister insists she is looked upon as a mother figure. But
nobody recognises that it is attitude and understanding that
earns this kind of response. Then by accident Freda discovers
that despite speech impediments walking and balancing
problems, some can sing beautifully with perfect diction,
whilst others dance with poise and balance. She finally
persuades the Sister to allow her production to be shown. This
takes place in front of two hundred relatives and friends not
to mention the hospital hierarchy. Freda is congratulated on
her ability and is asked by top management if she will find
talent in others, having use of the theatre for future
productions. The additional help of two other nursing staff
enables auditions. |
