Amid the seemingly regular media criticism of our health system and public hospital complaints, there must be many untold stories that reinforce how lucky we are to have an important and under-appreciated system with under-appreciated staff on our doorstep. Mine is such a story.
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I was admitted to Manning Hospital on April 7 with severe pancreatitis caused by an unannounced gall stone displacement. The doctors told my wife Sonya I was the sickest patient in the hospital for the first eight days in intensive care.
In my early hospital-drug-fuelled hallucinations I remember asking Sonya on the phone to bring a notebook and pen because they were keeping me prisoner and the police needed to know. Another time I recall thinking how mean they were because at meal times they wouldn’t even let me suck ice.
Clarity of thought came with my gradual improvement and I was eventually transferred to Forster Private Hospital on Anzac Day for the next nine days where the nurses were again fantastic.
Following gall bladder removal on May 19, it’s resting at home and so far so good… touch wood.
I would sincerely like to thank Manning Hospital’s Dr Moheb Ghaly, Dr Josh Lawson and their wonderful team of doctors and nurses who saved my life; and also the great back-up support from GP Chris Horsefield and the nurses and staff at Forster Private Hospital.
I dips me lid to these committed and caring professionals who serve the Manning-Great Lakes community.