"Unexpected hospitalisation at Sale hospital"

Had a GP Drs. appointment recently and sent on her advice to go to Sale Hospital for further opinion/diagnosis after being unwell past 2-3 weeks prior and after several blood tests & Chest X-Ray.

A kind and pleasant greeting by Triage Nurse, Leanne, to both my husband and myself and details already there from my doctor upon my arrival making things very smooth and easy.  Waited a short time & then taken into ED consult room and reviewed by a Trainee Dr. who was both very thorough and informative - keeping both of us informed. It was just as well my husband was with me, as due to my pain level, he was able to assist with extra answers for the medical staff and also remember what they had said.

I had blood tests & CT Scan performed and medication administered by very caring and pleasant & extremely professional staff who also kept me informed each step of the way.

I was admitted into the Surgical Ward late that afternoon and have had the most amazing care shown to me - especially as there wasn't an actual 'clear diagnosis' of my extremely painful condition.  Still be sorted as I write this, but appears to be Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) and or Giant Cell Arteritis (GCR).

Obviously, leading into the weekend, the ward routine -ie Drs. visiting times etc. are less structured - but the entire staff - not just medical were all totally amazing. Not once did I feel that anything was a bother & at that stage, I was still in incredible pain. It had started to ease since the medication but I felt totally safe and in the best place and in the best hands.  The amount of support in giving me feedback printed information and genuine 'discussion time' when I needed it along with emotional support made an immeasurable difference.

Some of my diagnosis has also been by phone consultation with St. Vincent's hospital in Melbourne - Rheumatoid Clinic and my medical team here at Sale have kept me informed of the St, V's suggestions.  With reduced visiting hours due to COVID-19, my husband has been able to visit briefly each day & the staff have made a point of making sure he has been also kept up-to-date on my progress.  This too has been great as he has been extremely concerned not knowing what was wrong with me and he has been relieved knowing the care I am receiving.

Can't speak more highly of the Sale Hospital - and NUM Gary has the best team all round!  Please take care of a true gem in our Regional Town of Sale Victoria.