The Bath and the Bucket

The story illustrates lateral thinking, narrow-mindedness, the risks of making assumptions, and judging people and situations.

A mental health hospital arranged a visit for third parties involved in supporting its operations.

There were a number of visitors from different services. It gave them a chance to see how the hospital worked and what services they offered (outside of the specific support that they provided).

Part of the visit took the group around some of the communal facilities, a craft session, some sports activities and the Christmas choir practice.

Most of the visitors said how well they thought the hospital was being run, and that the patients looked like they were enjoying themselves and having fun. However, one visitor made some very insulting remarks about the patients. Although shocked no one said anything.

After the main facility tour, the visitors were introduced to various members of staff in the canteen and given the opportunity to ask them about their work and what they found rewarding.

The rude visitor chatted to one of the security staff, Bill, a kindly and wise ex-policeman. He continued to make derogatory comments and make fun of the patients.

"Are they all raving loonies in here then?" said the rude man.

"Only the ones who fail the test," said Bill.

"What's the test?" said the man.

"Well, we show them a bath full of water, a bucket, a jug and an egg-cup, and we ask them what's the quickest way to empty the bath," said Bill.

"Oh, I see,” replied the man, “it’s a simple test - any normal person knows it's the bucket, right?"

"No actually," said Bill, "The normal ones say pull out the plug. Should I check when there's a bed free for you?"