Sarah received a phone call early in the morning. Her grandmother had fallen and broken her hip. The doctors had performed emergency surgery during the night. Sarah quickly got dressed and drove to the hospital. The hospital was a large building with many floors. Sarah parked her car in the underground parking garage. She took the elevator to the main entrance. The reception area was busy with patients and visitors. Sarah approached the information desk to ask for directions. 'Good morning. I am looking for the orthopedic ward,' she said. The receptionist smiled and pointed to a map on the wall. 'Take the elevator to the fourth floor and turn left,' she explained. Sarah thanked her and walked towards the elevators. The hospital corridors were painted in calming blue and green colors. Nurses in white uniforms hurried past, carrying medical equipment. Sarah reached the fourth floor and found the orthopedic ward easily. She had to check in at the nursing station before visiting. A friendly nurse checked her grandmother's room number. 'Your grandmother is in room 412,' the nurse said. 'The surgery went well, and she is recovering nicely.' Sarah felt relieved to hear the good news. She walked down the corridor, reading the room numbers on each door. When she found room 412, she knocked gently on the door. 'Come in,' she heard her grandmother's weak voice say. Sarah entered the room and saw her grandmother lying in the hospital bed. The old woman looked pale but managed to smile when she saw Sarah. 'Sarah, dear, you came,' her grandmother said softly. Sarah rushed to her grandmother's side and took her hand. 'Of course I came. How are you feeling?' she asked with concern. 'The pain medication is helping, so I am not too uncomfortable,' her grandmother replied. Sarah noticed the IV drip attached to her grandmother's arm. There was also a monitor displaying her heart rate and blood pressure. 'The doctor said the surgery was successful,' her grandmother continued. 'They put a metal plate and screws to fix the bone.' Sarah felt tears forming in her eyes but tried to stay strong. 'I am so glad you are okay,' she said, squeezing her grandmother's hand. A doctor entered the room wearing a white coat and carrying a clipboard. 'Good morning. I am Dr. Peterson, the orthopedic surgeon,' he introduced himself. Sarah stood up to shake his hand. 'The operation went very smoothly,' Dr. Peterson explained. 'We expect your grandmother to make a full recovery.' 'However, she will need physical therapy for several months.' Sarah nodded, understanding the importance of rehabilitation. 'When can she go home?' Sarah asked. 'If everything continues to go well, probably in about a week,' the doctor replied. 'She will need to use a walker at first, then gradually transition to a cane.' The doctor checked the machines monitoring her grandmother's vital signs. 'Everything looks good. A nurse will come to give you your medication soon,' he said to her grandmother. After the doctor left, Sarah helped her grandmother drink some water. 'I brought you some things from home,' Sarah said, opening her bag. She took out her grandmother's favorite slippers, a book, and some photographs. 'Oh, how thoughtful of you,' her grandmother said with a warm smile. Sarah arranged the photographs on the bedside table. They showed happy moments from family gatherings and holidays. 'These will make the room feel more like home,' Sarah said. A nurse came in with a small tray of medication. 'Time for your pain medication and antibiotics,' the nurse announced cheerfully. Sarah watched as her grandmother swallowed the pills with water. 'The medication might make you drowsy,' the nurse warned. Sarah stayed by her grandmother's side as she began to feel sleepy. 'Rest now, Grandma. I will be here when you wake up,' Sarah whispered. Her grandmother closed her eyes and soon fell into a peaceful sleep. Sarah used this quiet time to read the book she had brought. The afternoon sun filtered through the window blinds. After about two hours, her grandmother woke up feeling refreshed. 'I dreamed about our garden,' she told Sarah with a smile. 'The roses were blooming beautifully.' 'When you get better, we will plant new flowers together,' Sarah promised. A hospital volunteer came by with a cart of books and magazines. 'Would you like something to read?' the volunteer asked kindly. Sarah's grandmother chose a gardening magazine. They looked at the pictures together, talking about spring planting. In the evening, Sarah's parents arrived to visit. Sarah's mother hugged her own mother gently, careful not to disturb any tubes. 'We were so worried about you, Mom,' she said with tears in her eyes. 'I am a tough old lady. It takes more than a broken hip to stop me,' her grandmother joked. Everyone laughed, relieved to see her sense of humor was intact. Sarah's father had brought homemade soup in a thermos. 'The hospital food is not bad, but nothing beats your chicken soup,' her grandmother said gratefully. They spent the evening talking and making plans for her grandmother's recovery. Sarah's mother would stay with her grandmother at home after she was discharged. Sarah offered to help with physical therapy appointments during the weekends. 'We will get through this together, as a family,' Sarah's father said confidently. When visiting hours ended, they said their goodbyes reluctantly. 'I will be back tomorrow morning,' Sarah promised her grandmother. 'Get some rest yourself, dear. You look tired,' her grandmother replied lovingly. Sarah kissed her grandmother's forehead before leaving. Walking through the quiet hospital corridors at night felt different. The lights were dimmed, and the atmosphere was peaceful. Sarah took the elevator down to the parking garage. As she drove home, she thought about how quickly life can change. One phone call in the morning had changed everything. But she was grateful that her grandmother was alive and recovering. The hospital staff had been wonderful throughout the day. The doctors had explained everything clearly and answered all their questions. The nurses had been patient and caring with her elderly grandmother. Sarah arrived home feeling exhausted but hopeful. She knew the coming weeks would be challenging. But with her family working together, they would help her grandmother fully recover. That night, Sarah fell asleep thinking about the garden they would plant together in spring.
English Story (B1)The Hospital Visit
This B1 English story is designed for intermediates learning English. It includes simple vocabulary and short sentences to help you improve your reading and listening skills. Click any word to see translations and hear pronunciation.
About this story
Sarah receives an early morning call that her grandmother has fallen and broken her hip. She rushes to the hospital where she learns the emergency surgery was successful. Throughout the day, Sarah stays by her grandmother's side, bringing comfort items from home and helping her rest. The doctor explains the recovery process, including physical therapy. When Sarah's parents arrive in the evening, the family makes plans to support the grandmother's rehabilitation together.
Translations in English
Linked wordUnderlined wordOther words
Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
What happened to Sarah's grandmother?
2
On which floor was the orthopedic ward located?
3
What will the grandmother need to use during her recovery?
4
Who will stay with the grandmother at home after she is discharged from the hospital?
Vocabulary
39 words from this story
