PINK LADIES OF CLARKE COUNTY HOSPITAL, OSCEOLA, IOWA
Reported by Fern Underwood in 2008

It goes without saying that there have been many changes in the last 45 years. In regard to hospital care, at that time there was no limitation regarding the length of patients' stay. Mrs. Blanche Underwood, my mother-in-law, was hospitalized for months following a devastating stroke. I went to see her daily and began to notice other patients also there for extended periods of time, and some had no visitors. I began to wave or speak to those near Blanche's room as I went by and one patient said, "I look forward every day to seeing two people — the cleaning lady and you." That set my mind working and I spoke to Georgia (Mrs. Walter) Johnson who was working in the office. She, too, had become aware of what I saw, additionally noting how many of the patients never received mail, even a card.

Our conversations sparked an idea. What if we were to find people — ladies probably, who would visit on a regular basis? We selected those we knew were so inclined and began calling with remarkable success. Our question was, "Would you be willing to go to the hospital sometime during one afternoon a week to visit patients?" Alverda (Mrs. Melvin) Goeldner responded by saying, "I'll try it for a month." She continued for 20 years! Others served similar terms until they were incapacitated or had a similar reason to discontinue. Health reasons caused Maurine Poore to give up her position after 10 years. Janice (Mrs. Ted) Nannen began serving in mid-year, 1992, and continues, now being the one who notes when new recruits or additional Pink Lady folders are needed.

The reason for Pink Ladies' longevity? It may be partly due to the fact that this is not an  organization, has no sponsor, no meetings, no officers, no committees, no dues, no treasury, no reminders, no evaluation, no reports. All who serve are on an equal basis to do what they see is needed: visit patients, deliver mail, water flowers, run errands, etc. Pink Ladies do nothing a nurse would do for patients. That has been one of several cardinal rules, more understood than stated. Others are: Pink Ladies do not ask patients how they are or why they are hospitalized. Strict confidentiality is maintained, which has been emphasized even more in the years following the privacy act. There is no conversation beyond the walls about who is hospitalized or why.

At some point, the hospital began furnishing carts to help with delivery of plants and flowers. At another point, it seemed to fill a void if there were something to hand the patients or leave for those who were out of the room. Pink Lady folders answered that need — home-made folders of little stories and sayings, amusing and inspirational. They have been kept since 1970 and from them it is possible to recall the names of those who have been involved.

It also seemed to be an advantage to have a means of identity, so pink checkered carpenters' aprons were made. There is a note from July 7, 1996, to the effect that the aprons needed to be replaced. Those were sewn by Mrs. Twyla Cline. More recently hospital employee Kate (Mrs. Kevin) Emanuel arranged for new ones.

Vivian (Mrs. Dell) Hutchings served 25 years, hiring a taxi for her transportation. She is now the recipient of the services in Long Term Care unit of the hospital. She received an award:

CLARKE COUNTY PINK LADIES

BEGAN RECORDING NAMES IN 1970

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Last Revised October 15, 2014