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Care Opinion

Parent critical in ICU

Posted By mineralyt47

"Parent critical in ICU"

About: Maroondah Hospital / Intensive Care Unit

(as a relative),

I am writing in regards to my parent who is currently in ICU at Maroondah Hospital.

My parent was in hospital about to get discharged when they had onset abdominal pain. Rushed into surgery after CT showed perforated bowel and presenting as septic.

Two more emergency surgeries later, induced coma for some weeks on kidney dialysis and a tracheostomy, I feel my parent needs me to be able to visit for their mental and physical state. I believe this would increase their chances greatly of pulling through this absolutely devasting situation. 

I understand during these uncertain times policies have been put in place to protect patients and the community. In my opinion, there has to be some way to get an exemption to be able to visit. To be told only end of life visits only devasted me.

My parent is going to be in ICU for some time. I feel for them to make this, they must have family support and presence. I'm afraid if not they may not make it.

I will not stop asking or persisting in this matter.

Please advise on what can be done to get an exemption for visits for myself under full PPE.

I am my parent's child and also their carer.

Many thanks.

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Responses

Response from Gayle Smith, Executive Director, Quality, Planning and Innovation, Eastern Health 3 years ago
Gayle Smith
Executive Director, Quality, Planning and Innovation,
Eastern Health

Submitted on 30/09/2020 at 9:12 AM
Published on Care Opinion at 9:12 AM

picture of Gayle Smith

Dear mineralyt47,

Thank you for taking the time to post your story on Care Opinion and I am very sorry to hear that your parent is so unwell. I am sure that this has been a difficult time and made more so because of the visitor restrictions associated with the Stage 4 lockdown that has been in effect across Melbourne.

As you rightly say we have had to put in place a number of policies to protect patients and the community and this has impacted patients, their families and our staff. I would like to offer the opportunity to review your circumstances and invite you to contact one of our Patient Relations Advisors in the Eastern Health Centre for Patient Experience either by calling 1800 EASTERN or by emailing feedback@easternhealth.org.au.

If you choose to call please be aware that it is possible that the Patient Relations Advisors may be on another call at the time you ring and if so you will be invited to leave a message so they can return your call.

Regards,

Gayle Smith

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Update posted by mineralyt47 (a relative)

You guys are absolutely amazing, the staff and doctors in ICU are just incredible.

I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. The care and support given to myself and my parent's family is so fantastic.

Such hard times for everyone at this present time.

All my love.

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