"Asthma attack in Kalgoorlie"

I was visiting Kalgoorlie with three of my female friends for a week of sightseeing and fun, but I took ill on the second day which quickly progressed into an acute asthma attack at midnight. My friends called an Ambulance, which stabilised me and then transferred me to the ED at Kalgoorlie Hospital. I was extremely scared - unable to draw breath or speak - and this was by far the worst attack I had ever had, more than a decade since the last. I was also away from home in an unfamiliar location.

The St John's Paramedics were fantastic, explaining everything that they were proposing to do and seeking my input by asking short yes/no questions that I could answer. The teamwork between the all-female crew was exceptional, to the extent that the paramedic with me in the back would indicate when she was giving me another adrenaline shot to the driver, who would slow and stabilise before recommencing the rapid trip to the hospital.

When we arrived at the hospital and I was transferred to the ED, I was immediately seen to by multiple medical staff, who were all calm, highly efficient and also took the time to be extremely kind - introducing themselves and explaining what they were intending to do while asking me questions and also reassuring and comforting me.

Of special note was Maddy, the Registered Nurse, who could not have been more professional while still making me feel extremely well cared for, ensuring that I had water to sip and was as comfortable as possible. Over the next couple of days while I was in the ED and the High Dependency Unit for monitoring and recovery, nurses Yvonne and Sam were also of special note. Again, each of them answered any of my questions, sought additional information if needed and administered medications and treatment professionally and with care.

Each of the doctors that I saw at Kalgoorlie Hospital was excellent - all questions asked were pertinent and advice given was explained in a caring way. My inquiries were answered and when further advice was needed, there was no hesitation in seeking an additional opinion from a specialist in another area of the Hospital. Further services were offered if required.

This special Kalgoorlie Hospital culture extended to everyone that I met and observed while at the Hospital. The catering team were without exception friendly and helpful and the meals very good. The facilities were clean, and all resources seemed to be well stocked and equipment functioning. The administration staff were terrific, answering questions and offering options.

Having a background in customer experience management and previously holding a senior (non-medical) role in a large private hospital, I can say that my experience of Kalgoorlie Hospital was exceptional. Right down to the conversation about how best to safely get me home post discharge, I was treated with respect and care. I was asked for information and my situation and options assessed at every juncture. I feel that the advice that I was given was completely appropriate and came from highly trained staff.

It was clear to me that the team at Kalgoorlie Hospital, although coming from multiple disciplines, locations and backgrounds, have something quite special going on. It was also apparent that this standard of care was being offered to all patients and their visitors as well. I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to all who cared for me during my time of need and congratulate the facility on excellence in the way that they provided high quality healthcare.