"Care and Compassion at CGH"

I was recently told by family that my grandparent was passing at Central Gippsland Health Sale hospital. I visited alone, not wanting to fuss others and just spend a little quiet time holding their hand and reminiscing on childhood memories; they looked comfortable. After a little while, my grandparent squeezed my hand and motioned for me to help them out of bed. This made me feel helpless as this was not something I knew how to, or if it was safe for them.

I got upset with my helplessness and left the room to find a nurse. On leaving the room I got more upset. A lady with a clipboard and face covered, as expected, saw my distress and approached me quickly. She asked if I was okay and if she could help, we had a quiet conversation there, where I'm sure I didn't make much sense but the lady did. She listened without being awkwardly quiet, she advised without telling.

I felt so much better for our discussion. I could see in her eyes as they did not move from my teary ones and that what she was saying, she had a genuine care for my situation and that my grandparent was in good hands. She immediately asked if a nurse could go and check on my grandparent to see if everything was okay.

Thank you, Caroline. You did not know who I was and it didn't matter.

If this represents care and compassion for all at CGH then well done! Keep it up.