IN THIS ISSUE

10.12.17

A few days before Christmas last year, a close relative was taken into hospital with a serious – though fortunately temporary – illness. I raced to the hospital to visit her and found myself entering a very different world. Once past the row of grey-faced men in dressing gowns puffing on cigarettes outside in the icy afternoon, it was clear the hospital was full to bursting, with window areas being used as additional bays. My relative was in one of these. Just across the corridor – with no doors between – was the triage area, where patients entering the hospital are assessed. Bright lights shone down, hospital staff ran here and there, cubicle curtains were whipped across, concerned relatives stood wide-eyed and silent with shock. It looked like a war zone. For the staff, there would be no time to think about Christmas shopping or decorating the Christmas tree or even going to a party – their priority was to give the patients (far too many for too few staff) the attention they needed. On page 34 Dr Rachel Clarke describes what it’s like spending Christmas on duty in hospital. And – even though she has to leave her children at home on this most special of days – how the experience can be humbling and uplifting. They say that behind every great man is a great woman; well, behind top vlogger and influencer Jim Chapman there are four. These fabulous women have guided him from shy teenager to hugely successful online star. He pays tribute to them on page 56. Finally, even something as simple as a bar of soap or a pair of socks becomes special when it’s beautifully wrapped. Our interiors team shows how to give your gifts the wow factor on