"A sudden infection after the flu"

After a dose of ‘man-flu’ and time in bed I began my recovery. I was up and slowly walking about; suddenly a lightning pain struct my knee and I lost all power in my joint. The pain was severe, unbearable. On looking at the joint swelling and redness were obvious.  Heat was radiating from it. On the insistence of my wife, I left for Accident and Emergency. I expected to be given some pain relief and sent home.

Overworked, and in a ward which was overflowing with people in need, doctors, nurses and staff worked tirelessly to treat all of the patients under their care. I was touched by their dedication, commitment and compassion. I spent the night with three other patients; all of us sleeping on reclining chairs, all of us in an assessment room designed for 1 patient. All of us receiving life saving treatment. Nobody complained! We could all see how hard the staff were working to care for us.

Through the night the staff completed their rounds. They were moving from one patient to the next. They were changing my IV antibiotics, checking my readings, asking about my pain. Next morning I was greeted by nurse Catherine, she took me to Level 3 for assessment and treatment. Mr Truman extracted fluids for analysis. He explained, in layman’s terms what the symptoms pointed to. Everything was done with a friendly and intensely caring approach. During the daily weeklong visits to the ward, I experienced such gentleness, respect and dignity. I was in awe of the diversity of the staff and how they worked together seamlessly for the benefit of those under their care. I feel so thankful to all of the workers, from here and those who have come to our locality, from all corners of the globe, to give us their expertise and care. They enrich us in so many ways. 

What an amazing organisation we have in Daisy Hill! 

Now discharged and feeling so much better I’m forever thankful to the team.