"A broken wrist and breast surgery at BRH"

I really hope that this story is relayed to not only this feed but also the incredible staff at BRH.

A few months ago I broke my wrist tripping over. it was a nasty complete break. I was taken by ambulance to Bunbury ED where I felt I  received such wonderful care. I recall they were all over my pain relief promptly and got me in for xrays within an hour of my arrival. I found the Orthopead doctor who is on a Fellowship was fantastic , he reset my break perfectly whilst also instructing a junior doctor on realignment and casting. my room was quickly filled with nurses and other doctors watching my procedure , i felt quite the VIP.

They kept my spirits up with their humor and commraderie. I was called back 4 days later for surgery which unfortunately but understandably cancelled on the day due to prior surgeries running over time. The surgeon took the time to come and chat to me, re examined my xrays and was confident to postpone surgery due to the great realignment done in ED. Several weeks later my wrist has healed beautifully and with the help of the Outpatients Hand Therapy team i've got good mobility returning.

More recently i came in to have a breast lesion removed . I had 2 Mammograms at Breast Screen Bunbury and a biopsy at a metropolitan hospital. I was told to have my surgery in Bunbury with Dr Marcus as I recall, he was a great surgeon.

Once again my care was first class although this time i witnessed first hand how dire the understaffing of nurses has become in our Hospital. I required a Hook Wire Procedure first at a different radiology clinic which required a Radiologist to support the doctor as they didnt have a nurse available to assist. They told me that a lot of nurses have left to work in mining because they are so poorly paid and although thank you's are rare but greatly appreciated they don't pay bills.

Back in day stay the situation was the same with no nurse available to accompany me to theatre , they also were trying valiantly to find any wheelchairs as theirs had gone missing. This involved the Coordinator making pleading phone calls whilst also discussing the nurse shortage. 

The Theatre staff were equally awesome , even finding me some R&B music to drift of to again delivered with humor which helped ease my anxiety about the surgery. In recovery i was give A1 treatment , was well informed about any possible complications and given printed information about wound care and what precautions to follow in coming days. Well done Bunbury Regional Hospital 2 out of 2 great experiences. I will be sending an email to our Local MP regarding the chronic staff shortage and need for a pay rise for our essential front line workers. 

Kind Regards,

 giftqk84