"My wonderful experience in the Maroondah Hospital Emergency Dept"

In brief, I attended the Emergency Department recently, with a significant cut to my thumb requiring the attention of a plastic surgeon.

I was greeted at triage by a most pleasant and positive nurse, who on hearing my issue invited me into the hospital review area to asses my injury. Within a few minutes I was then whisked off to a cubical by Dr Meredith who was most helpful, friendly, reassuring and professional in every way. Being in pain and concerned at my injury I was soon made to feel at ease by this clearly compassionate doctor.

She promptly got me into a cubical, gave some local anaesthetic into my thumb so as to be able clean my wound without causing me undue pain, so as to review the wound. She promptly assessed that the injury required the attention of a plastic surgeon. While she sought the availability of such a surgeon she organised that an intravenous antibiotic be administered

It all was simply happening with extreme efficiency and care. I could not feel more confident in my treatment so far.

But things got even better from here in terms of my treatment by all staff at this hospital.

Within approximately an hour or so I was seen by a plastic surgeon intern who gave me the option of going into surgery shortly under local anaesthetic in my thumb or waiting some hours while I complied with fasting requirements for the procedure to be done under sedation. I was given these choices without any pressure or inferred preference. I chose to go with the local anaesthetic option. I subsequently was in theatre with in the next hour. All the staff involved from the bed movers, various nurses and other staff, were all pleasant, professional and importantly, calm and reassuring.

My theatre experience was no different. The interns, the surgeon, the numerous theatre staff were all helpful friendly and professional. The surgeon in particular, whose name I have forgotten, was once again friendly, highly competent, professional and reassuring throughout the procedure. As I was not sedated and able to watch the procedure at my request, I was able to witness the professional manner in which all the various staff interacted. It was clear that they were a cohesive team of which the hospital administration can feel proud of. I certainly felt I was in good hands.

After the procedure I went to the recovery area just for a short stint, then up to out-patient recovery where once again I was treated with the utmost care, given post op instructions, script for pain care and for some antibiotics. I was released soon after.

In short I was amazed at the efficiency, professionalism and friendliness of ALL the staff at the Maroondah Hospital. It was a 5 Star effort and I thank and congratulate the nurses, doctors and general staff who ALL clearly make the wheels of this hospital turn so empathically, efficiently and compassionately. Thanks for your care.