"Oustanding care by Southwest Hospitals, Harvey and Bunbury"

I am a pensioner and public patient. 2 weeks ago I had increasing stomach pain and shortness of breath and a thumping heart. My husband called St Johns Harvey, who arrived promptly and took great care of me on the way to our small country town Harvey Hospital. The staff flew into action as I became worse having a siezure. What a team, I could hear them communicating to me , each other..a well oiled machine. They stabilised me and Sent me to Bunbury Regional. I was quickly diagnosed with Internal bleeding in the gut, scheduled for an operation  and kept well monitored in a private room . I was reassured whilst awaiting surgery. I was experiencing excruciating full body muscle cramps and spasms. Never the hero, I can recall crying out, with limbs thrashing. The nurse was so kind, even when I was pathetic and noisy. My husband said I was begging God to take me !!! What a drama queen! We can laugh now. I hung out for the oblivion of anesthetic.

I woke up to diligent care and some pain meds. Then was monitored till deemed ok to go to the ward. 

I had a double room and shared with an elderly patient who had broken their hip. They had dementia and kept trying to get out of bed. A security guard was present at all times. Talk about marvellous, so kind and firm in their guidance of the patient, talking them down when they became angry. I chatted to one of the young men. He was a Muslim and I got to ask all the questions I have ever wanted, it was fascinating.

The staff were so merry, well trained, efficient and friendly. Such young things, so competent and full of life. 

Safe hands indeed. 

The food was restaurant quality, the best pork steak ever, cracked pepper sauce, aldante veggies...what can I say. 

The Drs were there early am friendly and explained to me what had happened and been done. What needed to happen and what I needed to do.

I have been in another hospital in Perth years ago, which was a traumatic nightmare. Computerised everything, no one spoke English, disgusting food, horrid vibe. I shall not go on, I wrote to the Minister. I will never go there again under Any circumstance.

Not at Bunbury or Harvey. The SW Health service gets 10 out of 10. World class care.

Thankyou to the Minister,  hospital management and staff at every level. Great service. What health crisis?

Ps. Bunbury hosp is getting an upgrade I hear.

Please pass this to the Health Minister.

Mr Minister, do not spend $ on bedside computers for patients to order meals on, a pencil and tick menu is better. Do not have food prepared off site and delivered by robot to the wards or have Drs walking around with mobile computing desks. They are then forced to look at these contraptions not the person. These are not innovations they serve only to make things harder for the patient and dehumanise the care.  Do not throw the " baby out with the bathwater" in the redevelopment of this wonderful service. 

Thanks so much.