Recovery In Hospital

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31760, 17 August 1968, Page 2

Recovery In Hospital

Entering .hospital for .the first time is quite an ordeal for anyone and Mrs iLubov Sidorenko, who was recently -transferred from a (Russian oceanographic research .ship ito IPrinoess, Margaret Hospital for surgery, was at first apprehensive about .her lack of English. Now she is feeling quite at (home. With the aid of. Russian-English dictionary, an alert mind, and excellent .translations from Miss Vera Chang (a hospital aid) Mrs Sidorenko is mastering communication with the doctors and nurses. Well-wishers, both expatriate Russians and New Zealanders, are (numerous. During an interview yesterday Mrs Sidorenko ex (pressed iter gratitude for the kindness and attention <ff the hospital staff 1 and -the people of '.Oiiriat-1 «hutteh. Mrs Sidorenko’s family are unware of her plight. Although She is missing her 12-year-old daughter -and four year-old son, she asked the ship’s captain not te tell them as she does net want them worried. They will -hear the full story of her stay in Christchurch (“multi nicer than Wellington”) -When she returns home.

For the last nine years Mrs Sidorenko has spentlong spells on the water. A high school teacher epecialiaing in Russian literature and language, she joins other teachers on -board Russian ships to coach crew members who have not reached university or technical institute ■examinatiuß level. Her mother looks after the

children while she is away. Her long holidays between sailings are a family reunion. When asked about her progress Mrs Sidorenko replied -that she fett “very good.” 'She was responsive to questions and her warm smile justified ‘her ■Christian name which ((literally translated) means laughter. Plans for 'her convalescence are undecided, and ad-' though She would like Io rejoin -the ship in Wellington for the journey home, Officials at the Russian Embassy insy arrange for her to fly back to Russia. The photograph shows Mrs Sidorenko and Miss Chang.