Bring out the anti-depressants

"It’s gonna be an easy week, make the most of it," was the first sentence I heard from the Plastics and Reconstruction team intern on my first day back after a relatively long hiatus from hospital work.

It was a surreal experience walking through the halls of St Vincents’, which was still looking merry with plenty of festive decorations hanging from the ceiling. Everyone seemed to be moving in slow motion, probably still hungover from celebrating New Year’s Day.

In a country that is already suffering economically with banks folding left and right, the recent weather disaster brought even more gloom to the people of Ireland. I can’t begin to describe the nightmare of spending the festive period in the hospital caring for a loved one who slipped on the icy roads and is now in a coma due to a brain injury. Those were just some of the depressing scenarios that were echoing throughout the wards in St Vincents. The emergency room casualty turnover was at its peak, as the aftermath of the lovely white snow bore its untold dangers. How’s that for drama?

Who the heck studies on the first day of term anyway.

Prof O Connor at the introductory lecture was at his threatening best.

"The results this year weren't even nearly as good as last. I’d have to say it was mediocre at best. Some of you didn't even make it. Therefore most of you will have to put in more work than you probably bargained for"

The room fell silent.

As we walked out of the lecture hall, Steven muttered to me,

"Time to bring out the anti depressants, it's gonna be a long 18 weeks"

Enough said