"Going the Extra Mile"

A family member was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia earlier this year and although I have not been directly involved in their care, I have been present a number of times during interactions with many different healthcare staff. It has been a harrowing time which will be ongoing.

Knowing the work pressures that healthcare staff are enduring these days, I would like to say an enormous thank you to all who work on ward 10C. The staff we dealt with are amazing.  

I wish I had made a note of everyone's names... Karen, the ward clerk is always friendly and helpful, the support staff Sadka, Heath, Phoung are ready to address any little request. The nursing staff Olivia, Jacinta, Chewee, Joy, Suma, Riannan and Will are cheerful and kind. The pharmacist, Ty, has been so patient and informative. The doctors, including Dr Agnes and "one-shot" Scott the radiologist, have all been considerate of the needs of the patient and loved ones alike. (Apologies for any incorrect spellings and those whose names I don't know or remember.)

When my family member became a grandfather for the first time, the staff displayed a handmade "Congratulations Grandad" message across the windows in his room.

If all of this isn't patient-centred care, I don't know what is!

I feel we are so incredibly fortunate to live in Australia and be able to access healthcare delivered by dedicated people, in spite of what I believe to be lack of planning, restricted budgets and some sub-optimal work conditions and facilities.

Thank you all so much.