Sandie and Lyn Go North Of Watford!
We were invited to join the professionals for their inaugural AGM on the 11th. April 2006, and I was asked to give a talk about BUSK and the work we do. I was asked if I would be offering a presentation with my talk, initially I said “no”, as to be honest I didn’t know the first thing about preparing PowerPoint presentations! However I began to wonder…..Amy walked in and I asked “Do you know anything about PowerPoint? I’m thinking of doing a presentation with my talk in Manchester”. She immediately opened the lap top and said “Tell me what you want”.
So we sat and worked at it together, she was teaching me as she went. Finally we finished up with something that looked pretty professional. (Thank you Amy).
Sandie and I headed off the day before, travelling by Virgin trains from London to Manchester. We were very impressed by the cleanliness of the trains, as well as the comfort. We settled down for the journey. All was well until we saw the ground coming up towards our side window. I looked across to the opposite window and saw the ground disappearing! These trains bank round bends! This was a “little” unnerving, and had a tendency to throw our delicate balance organs into minor turmoil. But after a while we came to adjust and enjoyed the rest of the ride.
It was lovely weather when we set off, though we were astonished to see snow at Tonbridge!! And the sun followed us all the way to Manchester. We found our way via cab to the Travel Lodge where we were to stay overnight.
Next morning we were greeted with, what we have been told, is “typical” Manchester weather. Rain! I can assure anyone who hasn’t experienced Manchester rain that it is definitely wetter than the rain we get down south!
After breakfast we ordered a taxi, allowing time for it being a little late (as advised by the receptionist). However, we were the ones late, and the taxi early. Sandie and I had what can only be described as a “Fawlty Towers” half hour!
One of the two lifts was out of action.
We lost count of the times we had to let the lift go on, as when it opened it was full of cleaning staff, laundry or both. When we finally got it we went down before going up, only to be joined by more cleaners and laundry. Eventually we got to our floor and collected our bags from our room. Then we had to go down……
The lift came up, opened, and was full. We let it go on. It came down, opened, and was full! Eventually again we got in, and were joined by more laundry on our journey down.
When we got to the ground floor the doors opened and we almost burst out, just like peas from a pod!
We got to the reception to be told the taxi was there, and rushed out into the very wet rain. As I sat down I realised I had still got our room card key. Before the driver got into gear I hurriedly explained and opened the door to be welcomed by the rain again. I rushed into the hotel, back out again, to find that my side of the seat was soaked!
We were finally on our way…..
We arrived at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), and “all” we had to do was find the postgraduate education centre.
Now, you have to picture the scene. Two ladies with challenged hearing, hoods up (one baha whistling in my case, so quickly silenced) holding a rapidly deteriorating piece of wet paper, getting wetter by the second, on which there is a map of the hospital grounds. It has to be said at this point, that between us we also possess only a smidgeon of directional sense!
After several half hearted steps this way and that, accompanied by “this way I think…” “Eh?”…. “Maybe not. Let’s try that way”.. “Wot?”, we found it. I stuffed what was left of the map into my pocket.
After a quick coffee, and warm greetings offered to and from those we knew, those we knew via email, and those we didn’t, we all went into the lecture theatre. Sandie and I placed ourselves near the front, to the side where the speakers would be standing. Julia sat in front.
The first speaker up was Mike Rothera. He is ENT surgeon for paediatrics at Hope Hospital, Manchester. He also operates to fit prosthetic outer ears, or to reconstruct outer ears, that are missing from birth or damaged through trauma.
I have to make mention of this gentleman’s talk. It was totally inspirational.
As he showed us pictures of some of his patients, (including pictures of drawings and notes they had sent to him) he spoke with pride and admiration for each of them. Sandie and I could not help but be impressed with his effusive passion for his work, and how he himself felt blessed to be doing it. For him it wasn’t that each child who came to him should be operated on to make them “normal”, they were “normal” already, but that he worked with them to enable them to make the right decision for themselves, as to what would be done; if anything.
With the modern computer technology he has to hand, he is able to take a picture of the child concerned, and show them what they would look like with two ears. On occasions, some go away happy to remain as they are, but reassured to know that if they wish something done in the future, it can be. One young man in particular, “only” wanted to hear. Both his outer ears and canals were missing and he hated wearing an aid on a head band (not very macho!), but he was perfectly happy once he had a baha fitted. In post operation pictures you could see the difference in each child’s face, each had become “whole” in their own unique way and were now happy with “their lot”.
I was to follow Mike, but instead of feeling unnerved when I looked up and saw approximately 100 professionals, his talk had made me feel very much at home. He reminded me very much of some professionals from whom I had received treatment myself, and those alongside whom I had been fortunate to work when I was nursing.
After being shown which button to push to move my presentation on, I began my talk. I thanked the professionals for inviting BUSK to play a part in their future plans, and went on to talk of how we will be able to form a link between them and their patients, as well as others. The PowerPoint presentation worked perfectly, and fortunately I didn’t suffer any nervous twitches which would have led to the pages speeding by out of sync with my talk.
My talk was warmly received, and I then answered questions. I had a little problem hearing one person from across the room, but was able to clarify with no feelings of awkwardness, reflecting the overall convivial atmosphere. (At least I think I answered them all correctly!) Sandie and I were then asked for copies of our magazine by many of the people present.
We then listened as Mr. Fairley read out the proposed constitution for the group, and as the group discussed the desirable modifications.
After voting in the constitution they then set too to nominate and vote the officers of the committee. As there was no formal committee yet, all those present were able to vote. Mr. Fairley had been nominated as Chairman, and he was voted in unanimously, though I have to say that Sandie and I did our bit with great flourish! (For me personally, this is a case of “get my own back”, as it was he who first asked me to take on patient support!!).
Once all officers were voted in, it was time for lunch. Further voting's were taken after lunch, while Sandie and I were with the patient group, during which Julia Smith who sits on our committee, was also voted on to their committee.
| L-R. Lyn Kolsteren, Chairperson, BUSK; |
| Rachel Andrew, Audiologist, member BAHA Professionals Group (BPG). |
| Jim Fairley, Chairman, BPG; |
| Julia Smith; committee member BUSK / BPG; |
| Sandie Phipps, Secretary BUSK; |
| David Snow, Secretary, BPG. |
Manchester Royal Infirmary Patient Support Group.
Sandie and I were whisked off to the long corridors of the MRI, to a room where the BAHA patient support group would be meeting by Karen Smith, Hearing Therapist.
Sandie and I had a little time to “chill”, and we set a table up with gadgets and magazines.
Soon people began to arrive, and when most people were present I gave a talk about how BUSK had developed, and how I had initially set up support at my local hospital.
After a while we settled in, and became part of the group. What little “ice” there was, was broken when I handed round a relic of “BAHA past”, an insert tool used to fit inserts into the old style abutments. Most had never seen one, and I challenged them to guess what it was.
It was very much home from home, a lovely atmosphere where we all were as one as we shared our stories and life experiences. The main theme being how we all feel such a great benefit from having a baha (or two…).
It was lovely to catch up, too, with Angela, Chairperson of their group. We had been in email contact on / off over the past couple of years. She had been undergoing some major surgery to help resolve a constant dizziness and balance problem. I could not help but admire how she copes with the problems she continues to have, despite the surgery making her life much better.
The meeting was over all too quick. Sandie and I left there feeling we had been amongst old acquaintances. We couldn’t have been more warmly welcomed.
I would like to thank them for their hospitality, and we look forward to fostering a continuing link with them.
Members of the MRI support group (minus the one who insisted on taking the picture!!). Centre front is Angela Porter (with her mother on her right), who leads the patient group.
