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"AIDS - it's still real! Exceptional Care for a Rare Condition - Hats Off to the SHDH ED Team"

About: Swan Hill District Health - Counselling Service Swan Hill District Hospital / Emergency Department Swan Hill District Hospital / Radiology

(as the patient),

Exceptional Care for a Rare Condition - Hats Off to the SHDH ED Team

Review:

AIDS is a late stage of HIV infection, a condition not commonly encountered in a rural setting like the Swan Hill District Health (SHDH). AIDS occurs when the body’s immune system is severely compromised, often marked by a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³ or the presence of opportunistic infections. Without proper treatment, life expectancy can be drastically reduced. However, with the right care, even at this stage, patients can still experience life-saving outcomes.

With a low CD4 count of 60 and a extremely high viral load and adjusting to meds : When I reluctantly arrived at the SHDH Emergency Department with symptoms, I was overwhelmed by the exceptional care I received. Better safe than sorry - get it checked out a lesson well learned.

The team’s expertise and efficiency were nothing short of remarkable. A special shout out to Maddy, the RN who delivered exceptional care and efficiency, making a daunting experience more manageable. Additionally, Dr. Andrew , an infectious diseases specialist with decades of experience, who has clearly put in place policies and procedures that ensure high-quality care even in such rare cases and even though the meds are s**t is getting me on the right track.Well done!

The entire triage team provided prompt and compassionate service, to the porter who wheel chaired me to radiology - you're a legend, to the awesome radiologist who helped me stand up to get chest XRays and even cleaners who embody the vision and values of SHDH. Also a shout out to the sassy doctor on duty who try to side track me, and was just doing his job:). The inclusion of a CSU student was also amazing.

Under the Department of Health Victorian HIV Plan 2022–2030, which aims to reduce stigma, racism, and discrimination in health settings, was a testament to SHDH hospital's commitment to  "progressive" patient-centered care - you nailed it SHDH team on that night.X

Given my experience, I would suggest the addition of "patient safety" "consumer safety "or even just the word "safety " be considered and added to the current organization’s values planning. SHDH team truly delivered on every front, and their commitment to patient safety and dignity was evident throughout my visit.

Thank you to the entire SHDH ED team for your outstanding care and dedication plus no judgement!

This review acknowledges the medical context of AIDS while also highlighting the exceptional care provided by the SHDH team, aligning with the hospital's vision & values and the Victorian HIV Plan 2022-2030. Signed anonymous. 

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Responses

Response from Natalie Barnes, Radiology Manager, Radiology Department, Swan Hill District Health 9 months ago
Natalie Barnes
Radiology Manager, Radiology Department,
Swan Hill District Health
Submitted on 1/08/2024 at 11:54 AM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 12:05 PM


picture of Natalie Barnes

Dear cassiopeiaje86,

Thank you for your lovely feedback regarding the care you received whilst at SHDH. We are very fortunate to have such caring and compassionate staff that support the values of the organisation and we appreciated you taking the time to acknowledge your entire care team.

I will ensure your feedback is passed on to the Radiology staff involved in your care.

I hope you are recovering well after your recent visit, and I hope the HIV plan ensures your future healthcare journey is as positive as your SHDH experience.

Thank you again,

Natalie

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Response from Kath Curran, ED NUM, Emergency Department, Swan Hill District Health 9 months ago
Kath Curran
ED NUM, Emergency Department,
Swan Hill District Health
Submitted on 1/08/2024 at 5:20 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 2/08/2024 at 9:03 AM


picture of Kath Curran

Good afternoon cassiopeiaje86,

Thank you so much for the lovely feedback about the care you received recently in our Emergency Department here in Swan Hill. I am humbled by the way you have described our 'remarkable' team - noting their efficiency, expertise, inclusiveness, and compassion. Ensuring you were safe, heard and treated with such dignity shows we are well on the path to growing a great team. Our team are always working extremely hard, and many are selfless and passionate about their work and values - something it sounds like you experienced. This feedback has had a wonderful impact upon those staff today when I read this to them. And I am feeling so proud!

We hope you are feeling better and receiving the ongoing care required. Otherwise, we are always here and ready to support if required.

Kind regards & take care,

Kath

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Response from Chloe Keogh, Executive Director of Clinical Care, Executive Offices, Swan Hill District Health 9 months ago
Chloe Keogh
Executive Director of Clinical Care, Executive Offices,
Swan Hill District Health

Overall responsibility for the running of the health service, reports to the Board of Management. Acting for 3.5 months to replace Long Service Leave.

Submitted on 2/08/2024 at 1:26 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 1:54 PM


picture of Chloe Keogh

Dear cassiopeiaje86,

I feel so pleased that you had a supported and positive experience in our health service, and I do hope you are starting to feel better.

As a health service we focus on providing care to the people within the catchment of the 100km2 radius around Swan Hill township. Having people feeling heard and safe, and for care to be without stigma and discrimination can often be one of our challenges. Thank you for providing the feedback and articulating your experience.

What I think touched me the most about your story is the link that you made between the Department of Health Victorian HIV Plan 2022–2030 and the actual care you received in particular through the lens of "progressive".

It was a truly humbling experience to read your story and feel so proud of the staff who helped you on this day but also all the others who are out there having a day off, getting ready to come in to a shift, or were busy preparing food, moving patients and doing things behind the scenes. It really takes a team to provide the Connected Care, Best Experience.

Thank you for the very kind words and in them the gift that you gave us, and the little spring it put in our step this week.

Kind Regards

Chloe

Acting CEO for Peter Abraham

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