 |
The family nominated one person to go and talk to the nurse, and tell her that, in Australian South Sea Islander terms, this IS the immediate family.
Outcome: The Auntie of the sick young woman goes down to see the nurse. She explains that the family is very important to Australian South Sea Islanders. She tells the nurse that the 20 people in the room are the 'immediate family'. As soon as the nurse is aware of the cultural difference, she becomes deeply apologetic. Later the nurse brings the family some tea. Everyone, including Barbara and the nurse, is embarrassed. They all wish the incident had never occurred.
Other languages