"Exceptional care of a paediatric surgical patient"

My adolescent daughter attended Sutherland Hospital for elective knee surgery and the care she received throughout was exceptional. 

From the moment we entered the Children and Adolescent Unit until discharge that evening, her care was the epitome of patient centred and age appropriate. Every staff member we dealt with introduced themselves and their communication with myself and my daughter was perfect. They were kind, compassionate and empathetic to her high levels of distress as well as providing outstanding clinical care. I will highlight how exceptional each staff member was.

From her admission in which the paediatric CNS Helen was kind, orientated us to our room and explained the process. 

The Orthopaedic Registrar Andrew who came to the room pre op and explained the surgical process answering our questions and taking the time to answer my daughter's questions. He called me immediately after her surgery to update me and then came to the room later to explain the procedure, answer questions and provide discharge instructions most importantly who we could contact once home if concerned. He made sure to take the time to answer my daughter's questions and ensure she understood.

Michael the operations assistant who transferred us to and from theatre he was patient kind and friendly. It seemed he knew his role is so much more than being a porter and excelled at it. 

The anaesthetic nurse Sarah who calmed my daughter in her distress, listened to her, reassured her and explained everything to her. 

The anaesthetist James who explained everything perfectly, addressed my daughter and allowed her to be involved in her care. Allowing me to accompany my daughter to the theatre and staying with her until asleep allowed for reduction in my daughter's distress whilst Registrar Gordon calmy and quickly put her to sleep.

Dr Anthony who is not only an exceptional surgeon but, in my opinion, should be a role model for all in care of an Adolescent from seeing him in his rooms to in the theatre. His communication with my daughter was outstanding.

In recovery RN Carol who cared for my daughter and initially recognised and managed her pain as well as her distress. She could quickly identify that this was not just post op anxiety but pain and treated it. She was so calm and efficient. Recovery nurse Liz who also was excellent in her care calming my daughter down communicating well with the anaesthetist and escorting us back to our room. 

The paediatric nurses on the ward CNS Helen, RNs Lucinda and Richelle were exceptional in their care. Responding promptly to my daughter's pain, reassuring her and communicating with her. They all made sure all of my daughter's needs were met and Richelle took the time to ensure we were comfortable to be discharged.

As an aside, it seemed to me that all of the nurses were such great mentors to the nursing students that were working with them. 

Physiotherapist Danny who was excellent in his review, post op instructions and advice. I feel he is a credit to his profession.

I recognise that my daughter's procedure was in the scheme of things very minor and day to day but the care provided was exceptional. The outstanding clinical care was almost in the background as the person centred care was next level. You took the time to support my daughter emotionally whilst you quietly and efficiently completed your clinical work. The way every staff introduced themselves, they all addressed my daughter and ensured not only did she understand but had the opportunity to ask questions and clarify. Every interaction was specific to her needs and communication at her level of understanding. 

Thank you all for your care, you are all outstanding health professionals.