The other day a TV camera crew came to our house... well it was actually one TV cameraman with his portable camera but it was quite an experience nevertheless. We did light checks and sound checks and, with a little soft lighting, he converted our living room into a desirable bijou residence. I began the interview in a stilted manner, very conscious of what I was saying, but by the time we reached the part that they actually used I had warmed to my argument and was in full flow. The man knew how to do his job. I was delivering sound bites to fight for.
I’ve included a link to the BBC TV news programme but in case that is no longer available I’ve taken a photograph to show you what I look like when I’m in full flow.
There’s also a photo of the TV cameraman himself. He was taking shots of letters and photographs just in case they might be needed. In total he took 18 minutes of film although the piece they used was only a fraction of that.
Progress is moving along slowly. 6,500 nurses and healthcare workers will receive a nursing care refresher course. You can read about that in this newspaper article from the Leicester Mercury. I was taken onto Ward 2 at the Leicester General Hospital last Friday and shown the changes that had already been introduced regarding raising the profile of the nurse in charge – the big red badge scheme - and making hourly checks on all patients. And there’s a meeting next Tuesday at Leicester’s Town Hall to further discuss the issues regarding hospital complaints. I’ll be there and, as I’m sure you’ve guessed, I’ll be blogging about it.
Had it not been for this blog I doubt my complaint letter would have got anywhere near this far. I was demanding that changes be seen to be made but the hospital had merely sent a standard acknowledgement offering me a written report within 25 working days. A written report was not going to get changes either made or seen to be made. Nobody was really listening to me. Then I remembered The Leicester Mercury. They had picked up my blog postings before for their First Person feature and, as I anticipated, they were very interested to take up this issue. Once they were on board my complaint grew wings... and now it’s well and truly flying.
So if anyone tells you that keeping a blog never leads to anything worthwhile, don’t believe them.
Excellent - good for you Ros. You sounded great and you looked great as well. Let's hope they ask you back to read your latest book!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Miriam. I don't think my book will make the BBC news but it's a nice thought :-)
ReplyDeleteI clicked onto the BBC news and TV and it looked like it was starting to come on and I was thinking how extraordinary the new electronics is but then a banner came across and said, "This is not available in your area." So much for that. But, I enjoyed the photos.... the one of you on TV and the reporter. All Excellent. And all the greatness you have achieved and your post on power from your award, fits like a glove.
ReplyDeleteI understand a teeny smidge about editing and how they need to take 18 min and use so little of it. I agonize over the editing of my little videos because I'm self-taught. It was so sweet of you to honor the cameraman's work. I'm sure he appreciates it.
Looking forward to the next posting.
Blessings,
Congrats on the interview. As a former Journalist I've interviewed more people than I can count. I love getting to know others. However, it's insanely different to be the focus of the interview. I'm still working on my comfort level when it comes to talking about myself.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to the "A to Z" challenge and reading more from you.
Rosalind, that's so fantastic! Congratulations on everything you've done!
ReplyDeleteRosalind, a very exciting blog post and I'm very impressed with your determination in pursuing your complaint. Now you are beginning to see the good that is coming from it and which will serve to bless many others in the future. You are a great citizen of Leicester!
ReplyDeleteHoping you have the health and strength to continue in this good cause!
And yes, you never know the good that can come from a blog. I know this first-hand as my family received tours and a free stay at the new Zenith Hotel in my area of kuantan, all because I began following its construction back in 2009!
Sadly I was not able to watch your TV appearance, but huge congratulations on you achievements so far. You are amazing! Hugs x
ReplyDeleteHi Manzanita, it would have been a big 'ask' for the transmission to be seen where you are I guess. They only put it up for a few hours as it is. Can't imagine why. Video editing etc is out of my realms of experience. Your video work does sound fascinating though.
ReplyDeleteHi Sylvia and thanks for the follow. It certainly is easier to interview than be interviewed... and I'm looking forward to the A to Z challenge too. Just hope I have time for it!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Talli, it's strange how events gather momentum and before you know it you've done far more than you ever expected.
ReplyDeleteHi Duncan, I'm so glad you got some benefit for your family out of your blogs about the Zenith Hotel. You certainly sold the place to me when I read them and if I ever travel your way I'll know where to stay. Like we keep saying, the power of our blogs is amazing.
ReplyDeleteHi Pauline, so sorry you were too late to view the BBC transmission. It would have been the nearest we've ever got to meeting up! Maybe one of these days we'll be able to meet and chat in real-time. :-)
ReplyDeleteFantastic work Ros. I couldn't access the video but read the Mercury's follow up article and kudos to you and them for keeping up the pressure and progressing as far as you have.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that so many nurses will be going on this refresher course because even though it shouldn't be necessary it will emphasise to them just how important this aspect of their work is.
Keep up the great work.
Hi Ann, sorry but it seems that the video is no longer available. The only down side now is that every time I see someone they make some sort of 'comment' like asking for an autographed CD! Cringe!!
ReplyDeleteYAY! This is incredible, Rosalind. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteAmy