COVID-19 has made us all acutely aware of the importance of great public healthcare. Hospitals within our District have been working together to prepare for this pandemic. An essential component of this preparedness has been to train staff from other departments in critical care medicine. This training helps us to prepare for a potential influx of patients in need of intensive care, and also increases the knowledge and skills of staff throughout the hospital.
Although lately, our focus has primarily been on our COVID-19 response and preparedness, we need to remember that the everyday healthcare needs of our community continue – babies continue to be born, emergencies continue to need treatment, and trauma patients continue to need our care. Providing the best patient care throughout the hospital for all patients is our highest priority.
Rowena understands the significant role excellent hospital care can play when a loved one needs it most. Recently her husband, Ken was treated in the Emergency Department at Royal North Shore Hospital with a suspected stroke. It was a very concerning and stressful time for Ken and Rowena. Fortunately, Ken had not suffered a stroke, but he did require further testing and stayed in hospital for a number of days. Rowena and Ken were so touched by the high standard of care they received from the medical and nursing staff they wanted to show their appreciation with a gift of gratitude. You can read their full story here.