Letter: Tow-rags and acrobatic toes

Gilbert Wood Roydon,Esse
Thursday 19 June 1997 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: John Appleton's letter (18 June) referring to the use of tow-rags to clear up messes in hospitals reminds me of a wartime incident involving a nervous young hospital orderly in the Friends Ambulance Unit.

This young man, new to work on the wards (where apparently tow was still in use instead of toilet paper), was embarrassed to hear a hoarse whisper from behind the bed curtains asking for paper. In his embarrassment he ignored it, as he did two or three further requests. Finally he blurted out "use your tow", provoking the swift and angry reply "I'm not a bloody acrobat".

GILBERT WOOD

Roydon, Essex

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in