Tall stories but true
Working in the older sections of the hospital was to go back in time. The look, smell and the character had old world charm. The layout of the wards was from the Florence Nightingale era. The large open floor plan with the beds lined up against the walls did very little for privacy. Every cry of pain or despair could be heard throughout the ward. Every dropped bed pan could be heard for miles.
Large windows and balconies gave some comfort from looking straight across to your neighbour. Ward 14 was one of these wards and one ward I will never forget.
The men’s ward, overlooking Green Park, was run with efficiency and kindness. It was led by a dedicated sister who knew her patient’s and ward like the back of her hand. I still have fond memories of her as she has of me. I found this out recently at a St Vincent’s Hospital 150th anniversary function for nurses where we met up again, after almost 30 years.
My memories of working in Ward 14 include hard work, professionalism and from time to time, supernatural events. Now, before you start scoffing, let me explain.
The ward was illuminated by ceiling lights suspended on long chains. It was suspected that these lights would swing when someone was close to death. On some occasions this was true. Ever the doubting Thomas, I would get a broom and stop them swinging. Unfortunately the lights would start swinging again.
Another memory is of the Grey Nun. A ghostly nun would roam the older wards at night helping those in need. Such as fluffing up pillows or adjusting the drip rate for intravenous feeds. I never witnessed this but patients would tell me the next morning after seeing her.
To be continued...
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There is an old hospital in our place whgere a ghost apppears to at least one member of a group of Nursing students who take their intership there. Plus there are wild screeching footsteps during the night.
Hi! Richmond. So it's not uncommon then! I suppose it only happens in older hospitals. My wife, who is also a nurse, never experienced anything in Ward 14 except for Ward 18 where she used to work night shift by herself. She recalls when doing rounds to check the IV drip rate, the patients would tell her someone had earlier checked it. This happened everynight she worked there. Strange, considering she was the only one working there. This was compounded by the eerie feeling she experienced.
I think that just about every hospital that I've worked at has been haunted. Yes, it might sound crazy, but there is so much about the universe that we don't understand. By the way, I think you have a really nice blog. I'll be back.
MJ
Hi! mother jones rn, thank you for your comment. I've had a few contacts from nurses about this type of event, not only here. I'm beginning to believe that within every good hospital, there lays a kindly ghost or two. PS I love your collection of images that you have on your site!
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