Curiosities

Patient Orientation Guide – 1966  (by Roberto Menna Barreto)

This guide was delivered to patients on admission. We transcribed some excerpts:

“You have arrived – and we hope that you have had the best impression of us starting at the gardens by the entrance. We must confess right from the start, that despite the fact that we might not know each other that well (only time will allow that), we are greatly pleased.   …”.

“Have you seen the symbol used by the clinic? It is a heart. Red and nicely made as seen on Valentine ’s Day. It suggests the cardiology services that we are specialized in, but we also hope it suggests the idea of sympathy, friendship and caring, in which we are likewise specialized in”…

“Ask for everything you need, complain whenever you think it is fair to do so, you may do it in writing if preferred”…”As a medical clinic, there are obviously many things that are not allowed in this house. But most of them – we must confess – not even we take that seriously”…

 “You might find it strange that such a famous clinic (pardon our lack of modesty) as ours is, has this home-like environment and not something sophisticated. Some people have told us we should change this, but we haven’t. We like things this way. That does not stop you from meeting at lunch or in the library very important people, very well known outside (we have even had a President once). But do not pay attention to them.  They receive the same attention and care that you receive from us”.