(Solved): domestic staff. New entrants to the hospital's domestic department would begin as 'reliefs', and wou ...
domestic staff. New entrants to the hospital's domestic department would begin as 'reliefs', and would then be 'promoted' to a permanent ward position on completion of a satisfactory probationary period. Domestic supervisors also operated an unofficial sanction system whereby staff off sick frequently, or for long periods of times, were penalized for their absences by being 'demoted' to the reserve pool, only returning when their record of attendance proved to be satisfactory.
The domestic staff had a permanent placement within a particular ward or two adjacent wards. Over time, the staff working on the same ward got to know each other weak. They had their teas and lunch breaks together, during which time they discussed the patients on 'their ward. Working in the same wards, these domestic staff also got to know the patients on 'their' ward. Working in the same wards, these domestic staff also got to know the regular nursing personnel who had been assigned to their ward.
Getting the work done was achieved by group effort. Each domestic was expected to ward the others of the impending approach of a supervisor. Group members were required to support each other in the event of any harassment by management.
The passage describes the work culture of the domestic staff in a hospital. Let's look at each aspect in more detail:New entrants: The domestic staff members who are new to the hospital would start as 'reliefs'. This means that they would not have a permanent position assigned to them, and they would be required to work in different wards as and when required. Once they have completed a satisfactory probationary period, they would be promoted to a permanent ward position. For example, a new domestic staff member who has joined the hospital might start as a relief and work in different wards, such as the surgical ward, the pediatric ward, and the general ward. Once they have completed their probationary period, they might be promoted to a permanent position in the surgical ward.