Nobody is more aware of the problem of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) than members of BARNA. It is very distressing both for patients and carers and you are dealing with it every day. So, what can you do about it ?

This phrase although a political statement provides a startling insight into the cultural values of death and dyeing in the modern world. Turner (1996) highlights that since mediaeval times there has been a gradual rationalisation of death and its consequences in contemporary society. Turner remarks that we have moved from one system of public ritual and ceremony characterised by religious funeral rights to new rituals, those of a supposed technologically advanced modern society.

Jane Bovey has long been a member of BARNA, and has recently left her job in the private sector as a recovery nurse to work with an agency. Jane decided to write a column in the journal to express concerns felt by many nurses working in anaesthetics and recovery. Jane also wanted to promote debate on some contentious issues, and welcomes replies to her column. If you have a reply, send to E Mail: [email protected] or BJARN, 6 Bromyard Avenue, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, B76 IRQ. The views expressed in this column are entirely of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those held by the British Anaesthetic & Recovery Nurses Association.

In a recent publication by the National Association of Theatre Nurses (NATN); their Chairman Vincent (1996, p.3) suggested “Support workers, when appropriately trained, provide tremendous support to operating department professionals, assisting with the provision of a good, cost effective service, cooperating to develop new ways of working in this rapidly changing environment to respond to the needs of the patient and the service.”

At departmental meetings, it has long been commonplace for staff to play ‘Lingo Bingo’. The rules of the game are simple; one can play alone, but it is much more fun in a team. First select one word from an apparently endless list of irritating and pompous terminology and then agree a number between 5 and 10. Then sit through the meeting, counting how many times people at the gathering use the selected term. When they reach the number selected, shout Bingo! And wait for the reaction. It seems to me that NHS managers, educational institutions and of course, health ministers are all playing the game.