"My recent Hospital stay"

I am not sure who to address this to without becoming too emotional but want to be able to acknowledge my recent experiences at Warren District Hospital (WDH).

Recently, I presented to the emergency dept to have some dressings removed from minor day surgery in another hospital the day prior. It was what was supposed to be a minor procedure, however rapidly escalated to a more serious issue. I was fortunate enough to have Emergency Department Nurse Sharon and Dr Lynette, treating me.

Their professionalism, compassion, care and exceptional skills ensured I was looked after and I felt reassured in a quickly changing situation.  I had to be transferred to another hospital, more than 100 kms away under at times, poor country road conditions via priority one ambulance. Seeing the ladies in green, Kelsie and Kylie, come in with their calm demeanour and smiling faces reassured me and I knew I had the very best care.

Sharon thankfully came with us, and knowing I had these 3 ladies on my side, keeping me calm, informed and despite my realisation that ’Houston we have a problem’, laughing with them which was very much appreciated. They didn’t let me stop midway at my favourite coffee shop, but considering I was haemorrhaging and required emergency surgery, I can forgive them for this oversight😁

The way they worked together, and with Dr Lynette via phone made me grateful I was in such good hands. I cannot praise these ladies enough. I believe they literally saved my life and I cannot adequately thank them. But I really wish I could. 

It was only due to the fact I’d watched the entire seasons of Greys Anatomy and ER during isolation that I processed I was in trouble. But these heroes without capes kept their poker faces on so to not worry me at all. 

I had to have emergency surgery and was required to stay in the other hospital till the weekend, then was lucky enough to be able to transfer back to Warren District Hospital that night due to the graciousness of Dr Lynette and the Nurses at WDH allowing me to come home. 

The minute we walked back into our own hospital, the care I received was a comfort I find hard to articulate. Every single team member I crossed paths with were brilliant. It’s not that I wasn’t looked after in the other hospital as I was, but I felt the team in Manjimup are a bit like family. 

I had been through a bit of a traumatic situation, and the Doctors, Nurses and support staff all were happy to listen, laugh with me and let me ugly cry when I needed to. I felt like more than a number and it was apparent these awesome humans don’t just treat coming to work like a job, but genuinely care about making a difference to our days. 

I just want to acknowledge all the team that helped me and the other staff members I may not have interacted with this visit, but myself or family and friends have on previous occasions.

I believe our community is incredibly lucky to have such a facility and the team that enables it to run as well as it does. I honestly would not have received better care at a private hospital, in my opinion. I think you outshine them.

These are the team (and I know I’ve missed some names sorry) I directly interacted with, please pass on my most heartfelt thanks from me and my family. They all played a part in the tale of saving me, enabling me to keep being a Parent, Partner, friend and exceptionally grateful member of our community.

Dr Lynette, Sharon, Tania, Rose, Geoff, Sarah, Richard, Michaela, Colleen, Mercy, Barb, Lisa, Karen, Johnson, Dr John, Support workers, Tara, Sue, Trina, Trish - not at work but sent messages of support, Ray, Shirley - receptionist, Regine.

Warmest regards.