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, she 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's 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 plaee in front of two hundred relatives and friends not to mention the hospital hierarchy. Freda is congratulated on her ability. Is asked by top management if she will find talent in others. With use of the theatre for future productions. The additional help of two other nursing staff enables auditions.
Forty patients begin rehearsals for a new production. At this point Freda is made aware of how hospital politics work. A new hospital boss arrives and asks to see Freda. He is most supportive, much to the disgust of her Nursing Officer who is overheard complaining to staff about her. The first time that she asks him for assistance in relation to her production she is refused. She asks to see the District Nursing Officer who requested she do this work, only to be told he had left. When the new D.N.O. arrives he pays lip service to offering her every assistance, but behind the scenes is playing a double game as he attempts to abort the entire show two weeks before it is due to be seen. But hasn't reckoned with the tenacity of nurse Freda! After a standing ovation on the first night of the show, the very same D.N.O. gives a speech with tongue in cheek and takes all the credit for it's success, offering future help wherever he can...... the audience applaud, but Freda fumes for she knows the truth behind the facade. Ill health brings her retirment forward by several months. Once away from the hospital regime she opens a Theatre Workshop for The Mentally Handicapped in the community. The hospital cast are the backbone of the new Workshop others come in from the community. The local Mayoress opens the proceedings and Freda goes from strength to strength.
When Freda finally retires she decides to emigrate but before she goes she is invited to a very special wedding. Her leading man and lady who had been patients for twenty four years have permission to marry. The bridegroom in his speech hand Freda his most treasured possession - a gold medal he won for caneoing.
His final words were "Thank you for giving us the opportunity through your shows of showing us your world......"
Based on real experiences, this story will warm even the coldest of hearts!
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For further details contact Joan’s Agent Chris Vass on 01725 512211 or by
email on chris@spiracle.net
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