"ED care co-ordinator"

Recently one night my spouse in their 70s had a fall. I heard them from the other room and when I saw them, their head was bleeding and they were in severe pain (the pain was from a dislocated shoulder). I called 000 and reported the incident. After ringing 000 to see if an ambulance was coming the third call, the operator stayed on the line and helped me with the correct procedures. Put pressure on head where bleeding, check breathing etc. Once the paramedics arrived we managed to sedate my spouse and get them on the stretcher. Overnight in the emergency, xrays were taken and some dressing for their head. My spouse was released 10:00am following day. Unfortunately no discharge documentation was given to us. We did have a paper with suggested exercises and told to go and get some physio.

After we arrived home we had a doctor call saying that my spouse had a fracture and to keep the sling on at all times. We were both very concerned that maybe they also had a concussion. I decided to go back to the Hospital the following day to get some information. Just as well, as I was fortunate to see the ED co-coordinator. I was given a copy of the discharge summary, paper explaining how to dress with my spouse's accident, pamphlets on home help and information regarding the strong pain medication they were given. Based on my interactions, she was an angel (Amanda). Thanks to her I was told to call Fracture unit to see when the follow up appointment was. I also had the discharge papers required by my spouse's GP plus connections for assistance. She was kind enough to call each day. Gave my spouse leg exercise to help build up strength in their legs and simple squeaking a soft ball to keep their hand moving. I believe without Amanda, we would have none of this and we are both truly grateful to her dedication.

As it seems the staff at emergency are pushed to the limits, I believe it was possible for them to attend to other patients while the co-coordinator could do all that was necessary to answer all our queries. Again the ED Co-coordinator was our support and help when we needed some answers and guidance. Blessed to have Amanda looking after us.