Sunday Morning. With a Twist.

The last couple of days had been great weather wise. And hopefully the same goes today. After my rounds was done, I had a quick sit down at Starbucks. Was supposed to meet somebody but I think he got the time mixed up.

That afforded those rare half an hour when I could just sit quietly.

The morning had been a hectic one. It was Anita and my anniversary. And my Facebook message for her went viral ....

Laying low for the next few minutes before heading for lunch in a bit. Not sure what she got planned. Maybe a quick outing before dinner tonight.

Not a Happy Ending

The MediPlex right next to the Outpatient building at SJMC had been open for the past year. And today I learned that one of the main shop was going to be closed. It was a restaurant called MediCafe which was located on the first floor of the complex along the adjoining walkway bridge with the North Tower. Truth be told, the location was idealistic.

Even then, business had been slow and they had decided to close shop. I knew my colleague loved to go there and since it was really convenient, if I had an invitation for lunch from the Pharma reps, this was definitely one of the place I would suggest.

The utensils were being stackedThe food was a bit different, claiming to use healthy ingredients. So, you would not get the usual nasi campur affair. Apparently they had a breakfast spread, but I was always too occupied with other things to drop by.

Well, that was not a good omen. I could see more shops closing as the only busy outlet there were Starbucks and Chicken Rice Shop. And both were on the ground floor. So, adios MediCafe!

Wash Thy Hands

5th of May. Five out of five! It's the International Hand Washing Day. I felt that SJMC may have gone overboard on this one.

There were posters and every wards had their own hand-washing advocate complete with a sash. I couldn't remember how many times I was asked to wash my hands today. I just did what I almost do, wash after every patients. My hands were smelling all sorts of chemicals at day's end ....

Doctor's Day

Something unexpected. The nurses and the hospital celebrated the Doctor's Day yesterday with kind gestures of flowers and a nice lunch.

Complete with live musicMyself, Liza, Li Ser and TharmaSome proper coconut drinkThe swag bagThe lunch was prepared by our kitchen staffs and it came complete with singing and entertainment. We actually had fun and for a change talked about something outside the hospital while in the hospital. And something to take away to boot .....

Good Night Sir

The passing of Dr Ahmad Kamal was felt at all levels at SJMC. The kindest of colleague, always jovial and knew when to press the right button. Very welcoming when I started off in Subang back in 2011.

My Facebook feed was filled with throwback photos of the smiling gentleman and even towards the end, all he thought about was coming back to work. His patients, colleagues and nurses held him in highest regard and we will continue to cherish the memories.

On a personal note, I first met Dr Kamal in 2006 when myself with Dr No Soo Chin and Dr Alan Teh attended a research course in Sabah. We went for a nice seafood dinner one evening, just the four of us. And half a decades later, we were colleagues in Subang.

His passing would also meant that I had to step up and put up the bill for the yearly Cancer Centre berbuka puasa event that he hosted with Dr Matin Mellor every year. We also felt amongst the Doctors that we should rename the Cancer Centre in Subang in his honour. After all, he helped set the unit up.

From now on, it looked like it would be only me using a fountain pen in Surgical A North Tower - at least until somebody else decided to join in. We used to talk about his own collection and his professed love for Audi. I was sure he would be sorely missed by his wonderful family.

Alfatihah.