On Hold!!!!

I have an update to tell you, it came at the beginning of July. Our mobilisation to Qatar has been delayed by at least a year due to the significant delay in the building of the new hospital, the expected completion is looking at two years’ time. My position will be required to commission the hospital to ensure a safe opening which is why at the present time I am being told about a year. The reality is the hospital is already four years behind its initial opening timescale and now with a further two years delay. Of course this is if there is no further delay’s!

The reactions I went through was

•  initially ‘relieve’ as at last I knew what was going on
• then ‘shock’ at how long the wait was now going to be
• finally ‘Plan B’ was kicked into action!

Plan B being

•  is back to work for me but into interim management as a self-employed matron gaining work through an agency.
• Jerry’s actions were predictable as he thought ‘car’. He went to a garage Monday morning after dropping Dylan off at school and brought a burnt orange Toyota Aygo – already nicknamed ‘TOYGOCAR’ as the boys little run around.
• Our friendly landlord is very happy and welcomes us to continue our ‘pikie’ lifestyle, at Rose Cottage Camp Site NR18 9PX
•  Dylan will continue schooling at Rocklands  
• Milo is very happy to continue with his studies with his friends at Attleborough Sixth Form.

What I have been doing, beyond the caravan!!!!

Since March to end of summer term I have been a regular helper in Dylan’s class which has been an absolute delight. It has been quite an experience being the lowest level of adult position, being directed, undertaking the clearing up jobs but also a lot of supporting the children with their activities. It has been so ‘off the wall’ to what I usually do and Dylan has very much liked me being around I consider myself very lucky to have been given the opportunity to experience.

I have also nurtured my desire to start doing some writing both through this blog plus in publishing articles. The articles are:

•  Health Service Journal, describes the significant changes/improvements I lead in my last hospital with regard to discharge. The link to this article is

http://www.hsj.co.uk/hospitaltransformation/streamlining-inpatient-processes-can-reduce-discharge-times/5084676.article?blocktitle=Hospital-Transformation&contentID=7839#.VVDZT_lVikp

•  Nursing Management, describes how I went about making opportunities work for me by accessing and using Linkedin. A copy of this article is

•  EDP, is a reflective script on the value of being a parent helper whilst being in the position to observe Dylan at school, quite different from home. I was really surprised when the Education editor was delighted with my idea and then article, so just waiting for it to be published.

I have had the opportunity to prepare a quilt to be displayed in the International Quilt Festival at NEC, number 726 and looking forward to seeing it hanging along with the 1000 other competition quilts.

Then finally we have had lots of days out 'doing and lunching' as well as 'flying' a bit further afield to see places of interest. One of those trips was just up the road visiting ‘Peter Beales Roses’ at the peak of the flowers blooming. Milo has kindly put a video together to enjoy, the significant element missing is the most beautiful aromas as we wandered around the garden.