Dialogue 3 - Dr Bean's Rounds

Matron is waiting at the far end of the ward for the local GP, Dr Bean. 

 

Dr Bean: Good morning, Matron. How are you today?

 

Matron: I am well, thank you Doctor. A little tired though, we had a busy night last night.

 

Dr Bean: Really? I’m sorry to hear that. Well we’d better run through what’s what before I do my rounds. (He shuffles some papers, looking through his notes) 

 

Matron: Private Cartwright’s leg is still thin but the muscle strength is starting to return. The massage programme you requested for him seems to be working well. And Sergeant Pothergary is persevering with the handwriting exercises, although of course it is very frustrating for him. 

 

Dr Bean: He was lucky they managed to save his hand. Who was it had a bad night then?

 

Matron: Lance Corporal Ryder… he was calling out for the men in his unit again. Whilst his physical wounds are nearly healed, he has been left with major physical disabilities as well as mental scarring.

 

Dr Bean: The Doctor at Beckett Park warned me about this when Ryder transferred here. I am afraid that all these ‘post wound’ disabilities – mental and physical – will take a long time to heal, if ever I am afraid. Keep going with the exercise and the fresh air. Don’t let him dwell on things too much.

 

Matron: Of course, Doctor. Shall we begin your rounds... perhaps the Russia Ward?

 

The dialogue fades down as the sound of the ward takes over (trolley wheels, pills being tipped out, clattering of metal utensils into metal bowls etc).