Asking a car thief to steal a

THERE were medics at the table, alumnae of public hospitals. Beer flowed and steak and chips, not to forget the salad and the sparkling water and talk turned to Bara, now officially the Chris HaniBaragwanath Hospital and the fount of many memories.

A sampling:

G, as paramedic, approaches the sisters in charge of Ward X, in search of her patient, Shadrack.

The sisters at the desk summon memory, examine lists and do their helpful best.

They apologise that they do not have a Shadrack. But, they say, Meshack is in bed 12 and the person in this corner here is Abednego.