Reception
I came into the ED in a very unwell state unaware of how serious my medical condition was. It has been a complicated journey of battling prostate cancer with radiation therapy and associated medications that have caused chaos in my blood sugars in response to anti-inflammatory steroids. Reception was quick, calm, and efficient and I was seen to within minutes. Fantastic job to front of house staff!
Environment
Environment
I was admitted quickly to emergency care, informed of what they were observing and how they were going to respond. Staff tried to answer every question I had and I was seen regularly for blood samples, readings and medications. Communication was excellent even though I was often in a dizzy and unstable state. I felt very safe and secure.
My bed was in West 4 with a sunny window and shower and toilet nearby. My body couldn't get warm, so I was quickly given a hot air blanket called a Cocoon which I could regulate myself at any time during my 4 days in hospital. An amazing provision for which I am so thankful.
All the staff were amazing, caring, considerate, timely and helpful. When the severity of my condition was explained, I could not have been in a better place with all services in the one precinct and the best of expert care. I give a 5 Star rating to my hospital experience.
When it came to discharge, I have nothing but admiration for the system and the staff. There was so much for me to know and now navigate as a medication induced temporary (I hope) Type 2 Diabetes patient from learning about all the medications, wound procedures, how to administer insulin injections etc. The chats with the Dietician, Diabetes Nurse, discharging doctors was incredibly helpful. The paperwork that accompanied everything for me to go home informed and empowered was brilliant. The medication chart for the four periods of the day, the medication name, description, and purpose for my body were all clearly set out in a very easy to comprehend format. Top marks from me, a person who likes structure and detail!
The coordination between the hospital, my GP and specialists has been great and the pathway for future treatment has been outlined or already set up. I am so grateful to have had this help. In all the pressure of patient responsibility and load, I give the Dandenong Monash Hospital my highest commendation.
The only negative, or lesson to learn is to do with the meal and food system. Because of the emergency admission and the descriptor of soft foods only the food I had was Weetbix, milk, soft bread with crusts removed and tea for two days. I asked for some additional food which came at my request. The last two days the menu improved remarkably. On my last day one of the domestic staff asked if anybody had come to talk to me about food and menu choices. I said that no one had, and they just shook their head in disappointment. I had written some notes on the paper given with meals to help and alert staff. So here I seem to have slipped through the system which could be analysed and improved. But I had a pen to communicate and eventually got it right.
I trust that this feedback will be helpful to administrators and staff. I am one very thankful patient and wish you all the best in serving our community when we are in our weakest and most vulnerable condition.
Since leaving the hospital my health has steadily improved. In fact my bloods have miraculously returned to more acceptable levels. I credit this to answered prayers by my loving Heavenly Father, the prayers of family and friends all over the world and the dedicated hospital staff. I salute you!
5 February 2026