Caring inspires book of poetry
STAFF at a Cynon Valley hospital have written a heartwarming book of poems inspired by their years of caring for patients.
Reflections of Care was written by staff at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon, Mountain Ash.
STAFF at a Cynon Valley hospital have written a heartwarming book of poems inspired by their years of caring for patients.
Reflections On Care was written by staff at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon, Mountain Ash, after Ward Three manager Lynne James asked her colleagues to put pen to paper and contribute to the publication.
The poems are all about their working lives, and describe their feelings and experiences.
Lynne was the first to write a poem for the book, followed by a joint poem from herself and ward sister Kay Bianchi inviting staff to follow suit.
They were overwhelmed by the eagerness of staff to contribute, and were soon well on their way to compiling the book.
Accompanying the poems are illustrations drawn by Leanne Colwill, who works in the physiotherapy department of the hospital.
Lynne said: “The po- ems are a reflection on how we, as nurses, feel when we care for our patients.
“For me, although we face challenges, nursing is more than just a job – it’s a vocation and hopefully this is reflected in what is written.
“The intention is to have a book on each ward at the hospital and in the chapel, so that patients, visitors and staff can read it if they wish.”
Included in the book is a poem from a former patient of Ward Four.
The patient offered his poem after taking a look at the book, and was delighted to see it had been incorporated.
Illustrator Leanne said: “I studied illustration at university, but after a period of time spent as a hospital patient myself, I felt drawn to a caring profession.
“It’s been great to be able to combine the illustrations with my current role, where I enjoy working as part of the rehabilitation team.”
Sorrel Hill, staff nurse on Ward Four, added: “I wrote a few poems and really enjoyed the experience and challenge.
“I valued the opportunity of being able to share my experiences and my feelings on caring for pa- tients and their families.
“I hope people have enjoyment from reading them as they reflect my passion for the work that I do every day in caring for their loved ones.”