Offer To The CEO

Wednesday, continued …

Before James could say anything to Anna or Hou Hi the door opened and he heard "CEO and Madam Hou, I have to apologise for being late…"

The words from whoever entered suddenly stopped when James realised, he must have been observed. Hou Yi spoke up "Doctor, this is my brother-in-law, James Jones."

"CEO Hou you know that I have my patients and their spouses in my offices."

James now was feeling somewhat incensed at the comments "Doctor, I am a qualified nurse. I asked my sister and brother-in-law to bring me along as I needed to talk to you."

Looking at the doctor, James realised that there was a level of shock across his face, so James continued "I guess you are surprised that I am a male nurse. I have just finished my nursing degree in Australia and obtained my registration there. My wife is from here so we have moved here so she can be with her family."

After James spoke again, the level of shock seemed to come from the doctors face "Apologise. It is rare to see a male nurse…"

Anna frustrated wanted to get this appointment over, and decided to speak. "Come on gentleman, we are here for a reason …"

"Sorry Madam Hou. Just let me review your test results and observations." With that the doctor turned to the computer on his desk, and after a couple of minutes said "Everything seems fine Madam Hou …"

"Excuse me doctor, but my sister will not say anything, and I suspect my brother-in-law will keep silent simply to please her. I am a medical professional and I will not simply to keep my sister happy risk her health nor that of her baby. I am aware that you have already restricted her work hours, to three days per week plus another that she can work on charitable work. But I have observed her extremely tired and exhausted, stressed and somewhat out of breath at times. She had childhood asthma, but I do not think it is that."

Hearing this the obstetrician shot a look at Anna, before continuing "Madam Hou why did you not say anything?"

Anna, angry with James, shot him a look as if to say just you wait, before saying "Doctor, I am not overdoing it. I have been working to finalise a few things so that I can lighten my load. The matters are complicated and maybe that is why I am somewhat stressed…"

"Madam Hou, I am going to cut you down working by half a day a week, but you will be coming in each week, and I am slowly going to cut down your working hours before you have to stop. I have gathered for you working is important, but we will not be risking your health. And, CEO Hou, Mr Jones if you feel that there are any issues, please call my office and let me know. Plus, CEO I will send my report to your Human Resources Department."

"But…"

"Madam Hou, there will be no arguing. I have always made it clear that your pregnancy is risky, and I will do what is necessary to protect you and your child, even if that is not what you want. Now I do have to chase you our as I am already behind seeing patients today and unlike most of them you have a nurse around to support you if there is an issue."

Anna shot James another look but the three of them stood up and left the office. As they made their way downstairs, Anna turned to James and said "You b*stard. You are my brother and you told the doctor that. You know how hard I have worked to get my career and you want to ruin it."

"Grow up Anna. You are soon to become a mother, and presently you are not looking after yourself. You have Yi wrapped around your finger and despite him being aware of the company policy he will not deny you anything. If I have to be the bad one, I will be, but you will thank me for it, as otherwise I will call Rosemary and you know she will be worse than me."

"That is not fair threatening me with her."

"Anna it is not a threat it is a promise. Now get yourself out of here. I have an appointment with the head of nursing, but Yi, can I come and see you later?"

"Not a problem. Come up when you arrive."