"Exceptional Care and Compassion from the Sydney Hospital Hand Unit Team"

I would like to formally acknowledge and thank the outstanding staff of the Sydney Hospital Hand Unit for the exceptional care I received following a serious hand injury. 

I recently sustained a deep wound to my left index finger from cutting the skin off a whole pumpkin. Initially I presented to St George Hospital NSW. I was subsequently referred to the Sydney Hospital Hand Unit and attended for review and consideration of a possible skin graft.

From the moment I arrived, I was treated with kindness, professionalism and genuine compassion. After review by the nursing staff and the medical officer, a decision was made to attempt to avoid a skin graft due to concerns regarding the likelihood of successful graft uptake. Instead, the plan was to remove the non-viable tissue under local anaesthetic, thoroughly clean the wound, and continue with weekly dressing management.

Unfortunately, I had previously experienced a ring block on the evening of my injury and the memory of the pain, combined with the pain I was already experiencing and significant sleep deprivation, triggered a severe panic attack. I became overwhelmed and was ready to leave the clinic without treatment.

What happened next was truly extraordinary. The team immediately recognised my distress and responded with incredible empathy. They provided me with reassurance and support while helping me regain control of the situation. In particular, I would like to acknowledge Kay, their Clinical Nurse Consultant, who went far above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. Rather than going to lunch, Kay came to talk with me and calmly discussed options to help manage my pain and anxiety.

She suggested the use of the "green whistle" for pain relief and explained that this could make the procedure much more comfortable. At that moment, it felt like a lifeline. I had convinced myself I could not endure any more pain and was preparing to walk out, yet Kay's calm, caring and practical approach completely changed the situation.

Together with Felicity and the attending medical officer, they settled me into a treatment bed, covered me with a blanket, carefully monitored my observations, including oxygen saturation and blood pressure, and remained with me throughout the entire procedure. They talked me through every step, ensured I knew how to use the pain relief effectively, and provided constant reassurance.

The care I received was not just clinically excellent. It was profoundly compassionate.

Both Kay and Felicity demonstrated the very best of healthcare. Their professionalism, kindness, patience and commitment to their patients transformed what could have been a traumatic experience into one where I felt safe, heard and genuinely cared for.

In a world where people are often quick to complain, I believe it is equally important to recognise excellence. These staff members are an enormous credit to the Sydney Hospital Hand Unit, and to the nursing and medical professions as a whole. 

Please pass on my sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone involved in my care, especially Kay, Felicity, and the medical officer who treated me that day.

Thank you for providing our community with such skilled, caring and dedicated healthcare professionals.

Kindest regards,

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