London Zoo

28.08.01

ALVIN AND BEV’S UPDATE

Our big news this week is that the UKCC the Registration Body for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors have taken the time to consider Bev’s appeal and have decided that she is accepted onto the role as a Nurse in the UK.

We figured her best her best hope of gaining registration would be via Part 10 of the register which is Midwifery, but their decision that Bev should undergo a two month adaptation course for midwifery stands.

Bev spent many hours preparing her appeal. Some UKCC staff had endeavored to dissuade her from doing so, explaining to her that there is no such process. This only strengthened her resolve. By directing a copy of her appeal paperwork to the Chief Executive of the UKCC Bev hoped that she increased here chances of getting the ear of the decision makers. You would never know.

It is very important to try to gain UKCC Registration prior to leaving NZ, especially if you intend to work straight away. We have heard of the UKCC mislaying applications. The UKCC recommends applying 6 months before registration is required. Luckily my Mental Health Registration was finalized by the time by the time I arrived, taking four months.

There is anew regulation from April this year. It you wish to maintain both Nursing and Midwifery you must practice a minimum of 200 days (1500 hours) divided equally between Nursing and Midwifery.

The time span for this experience is in the five years prior to renewal of registration.

From now on Bev plans to keep a good portfolio of experience.

Our local Practice Nurse at New Cross told us she was thwarted when she reapplied for her Midwifery after a break having children. She decided the recommended 6 months adaptation course was not for her.

The adaptation time is most often unpaid.

I have had Bev into the Super Stores of Harrods, Selfridges and Marks and Spencer. All massive Department Stores with top class goods. The bottom floor of their stores have the same departments i.e. perfume and food halls. Harrods food hall is something that would impress anyone. There are about twenty different retail points selling different products. The butchery department sells a range of meats way beyond anything that I have ever seen. Goat, rabbit along with game birds of quail and grouse, the small goods range is very extensive with a swag of stuff that looks interesting. I think the BSE and CJD scare would have toned down sales even in a posh place like Harrods. I haven’t eaten red meat since I have been here. I suppose I’ll still go senile or start growing feathers from eating force feed poultry. I have noticed I’m already growing more hair on my body since coming to this land.

Today we visited the London Zoo which entertained us for the day. It is an old Zoo trying to modernize itself. Old buildings which are historically interesting are no longer suitable for the management of animals in captivity. Overall the Zoo staff have reduced the amount of exhibits, improved the living environment and concentrated on breeding endangered species as well as education of the public. The Foot and Mouth problem had also impacted on the Zoo. Areas are off limits to the public and signs warn the public to wash their hands after touching some of the more domesticated animals.

Kath’s due back from her European tour in a couple of days and I’m looking forward to hearing about her adventures.

I wonder what will happen next.

Alvin and Bev

27.08.01