"The True Heart of Caring"

I was recently admitted via the Eastern Heart Clinic for a long awaited procedure. On arrival i was greeted by the receptionist who offered me a seat. Shortly after, my nurse Trish welcomed me into the pre-admission space. Trish was welcoming, warm and kind in her approach and explained the next steps to me. Introducing herself and sharing with me the role she would play in my day. During my pre-admission, Jackie, Trish and Anna all kept we well looked after. Their attention to detail and understanding what mattered to me enabled me to feel safe, secure and a sense of trust in not only them but their colleagues. During my time in this space, Trish kept me calm, provided reassurance and really connected with me as a human. The overall vibe in the clinic was warm, quiet, calm, positive and reassuring. 

Joan the AT spent time explaining the consent process to me and took time to ensure I had understood what was shared with me and enabled me time and space to ask questions and seek clarity. Joel and Kim the anaesthetists were incredibly kind, friendly and just like Joan spent the time with me to ensure i felt safe, secure and had my queries listened to. 

Prior to the procedure Kat assisted me to the bathroom and then back into the CathLab, whilst doing this she ensured i understood where we were and what would happen next. Once up on the table, every single member of the team buzzing around me ensured that everything was being explained to me. They acknowledged that it would seem busy and chaotic and that it might feel overwhelming for me, in doing this they really eased my anxieties and helped me remain calm. Laying on that bed and being on the 'other side' of the patient/clinician relationship added to the anxiety, however their words, reassurance and kind actions made a world of difference. They were respectful of my dignity and privacy and ensured I was cared for. 

I woke in recovery with Anna the nurse caring for me, she was kind, reassuring and compassionate in her approach. She quickly provided me my phone to call my fiancé and assured me she too would call him asap to provide an update. This in itself gave me such comfort. Anna explained to me what had happened during my procedure and how i might feel coming out from a general anesthetic. 

On arrival to the CCU, i was met by a team of welcoming and kind nurses. Lydia, Jan (i don't know if this is how his name is spelt) and Sasi. They worked quickly to settle me in, explain who they were and what was happening. They reassured me, made me feel safe and supported. Nothing was too troublesome for them and they regularly checked in on me. 

Dr Jill admitted me to CCU and during this process, I found her incredibly supportive and kind. 

Overnight i had the lovely Alice who was incredible, she was kind, supportive and in every interaction, explained to me what was occurring, the progress I was making and what to expect next. It was so lovely to have Alice take such good care of me. 

The next morning i was introduced to Hannah my nurse for the day. Hannah was incredibly kind, friendly and just like her colleagues, ensured they knew what was important to me. Hannah check in on me regularly and supported my discharge home. 

To the staff of Eastern Heart Clinic and CCU at Prince of Wales Hospital, I am incredibly grateful and thankful for your expert care, your kindness, your compassion and for your hard work. As a nurse myself, I was reminded of just how fortunate we are to have super humans like yourselves across our health system. 

I can't express how much your care meant to me in what is a scary and  certain time.