"Care for cellulitis at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital"

I recently arrived at Emergency at RPA at 11. 30pm with an infection in my right elbow. A nurse reviewed my elbow within 15 minutes and after evaluation said I would need a blood test and x-ray which both occurred during the following 2 hours. By 2. 30am the results for the blood test and x-ray were available and a doctor reviewed my condition and arranged for intravenous antibiotics at 3. 00am. At 5. 00am I was discharged and asked to return to 'Hospital in the Home' at RPA at 8. 00am.

At 'Hospital in the Home' I was diagnosed as having cellulitis and was given another dose of intravenous antibiotics (cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin characterised by swelling, redness, tenderness and heat in the affected area). The following day at 9. 00am a photo was taken of both arms which shows my right arm as almost twice the size of my left arm due to swelling from the infection.

Instead of having to stay at hospital or report to hospital every day, I was referred to Marrickville Community Health Centre. A Community nurse visited me in my home the next few consecutive mornings to give me intravenous antibiotics.

It's clear to me that the speed of treatment was vital. Firstly I believe that the speed of treatment helped to save my life (I believe I would have passed away within 24 hours as the infection was spreading so quickly) and secondly in preserving the movement in my right arm.

The treatment I have received has been exceptional and I am immensely grateful to all the staff at RPA for their professional and exceptional service. Thank you!