My city of Flinders

My city of Flinders

The car park slowly filters in cars so by the time morning is past it is looking chokka.

I walk through the little goat tracks to the footpath and head to the traffic light crossing.

A gathering of the herd as we wait for the flow of a four lane highway to stop and let us through.

We meander across to the other side and cross to walk up the incline towards our entrance.

I find the Northern entrance and slip in through the automatic doors. At 8am all is quiet, no clinics open. Sometimes the faint smell of chlorine. Dated pictures on the corridor walls.

I find the ‘koala’ lifts and wait for the arrow to light up. This morning another person is also heading to the 6^th floor. Depending on which lift I am in I turn in the direction of the corridor towards the unit I am in.

The wards spread out in all directions. There are a variety of lifts, labs and rooms hidden away.

The lab corridors stretch down narrow halls, with their coloured doors and pale blue lab coats hanging on hooks.

There are many areas I have discovered. The medical library with its lounge chairs and newspapers. In January it is silent and peaceful. By April the masses are gathered around lap tops and text books.

How are you going? Have you got this back yet? A camaraderie of students coming and going.

My other favourite haunt is the Hudson’s for the proverbial long black. I liken the first sip of this as in a hit of nicotine. It has that dark bite that just lifts your brain connections! I try and read a few pages of a novel if the right seat is available near the window. This is so I can watch the numerous cars, delivery vans, taxis and ambulances jostle for a spot in the loading area. It has such a narrow space that the car chaises have a fraction of room to spare.

Occasionally I wander down to the courtyard garden space. With its hovering pigeons scooting along the pavement. It feels good to find some fresh air.

 

Medical records are tucked away on the first floor. A mass of files in every direction and black computer screens with green writing. How can they read this all day?

And so it goes on, more corridors, more people, more stories.