Visit to another world

It was a short trip from my house to this other world, when I was feeling very unwell and getting worse after a couple of hours.

This new world was through Accident and Emergency in Hervey Bay Hospital.

Whilst in the waiting area I saw more patients and relatives coming in every five minutes, and that equates to over 100 per day because this place is open 24/7.

All have to be thoroughly interrogated by the Triage nurse because the staff have no prior knowledge of them when, like me, they come through the door.

That’s getting on for 1000 per week 52 weeks per year.

And there are tens of thousands of ailments and illnesses that may have to be attended to.

My next stage was via a wheelchair into the ward area where further questions, temperature and blood pressure were taken so that the doctor/nurse could take me to an appropriate ward which turned out to be the trauma suite.

Turning up in my PJ’s helped get me into a bed quicker with doctors and nurses giving me reassurance that they were on to it and knew what to do next.

Cannula lines were inserted into each arm with drips feeding into my system plus an overhead monitor keeping an eye on my vital signs.

By this time, I had stopped coughing up blood which I came in with and began to relax.

Then I was asked about what drugs and medical history I had but due to my age (81) I had a big history and lots of drugs for blood pressure etc.

My dear wife promised to bring my drugs and a list of previous ailments the next day. You don’t think about those sorts of things when you suddenly come to hospital.

The hospital must be fully operational for things like drugs, food, drink, laundry and cleaning etc. that an ordinary household has to do.

The “worker bees” (nurses) work eight hour shifts x five or six days depending on the roster, and they all know what to do and when, all through their shift.

When I was there a 4am, emergency had staff coming from everywhere to help.

These worker bees have to change nappies on very young babies and very old people stripping beds and re-making them time and time again.

All the while checking on other patients under their control.

The food and drink that I had was very good in every way (hot or cold) which all have to be prepared and delivered several times a day. Cleaning looks almost continuous also.

I had to have a camera down my throat and a C.T. scan bringing another set of staff in surgical which had to be organized for me.

This continuing inner world is unbelievable and I thought superb in its operation that must be a nightmare to keep under control every day of the year.

Holding it all together at the ward level are what I call worker bees the nurses who are worth every penny they earn and more I believe.

A patient opposite me said we all know that there are angels in heaven, but the ones on earth are nurses.

Regards

Peter Willmott - Eli Waters

Disheartening Respect

Dear Editor

As a former veteran one often appreciates the visible respect shown at the RSL when the observance of the Ode is played turning towards the Eternal Flame each evening. But please, if you happen to be in the vicinity as I observed recently at a D Day ceremony, when either the Last Post or the National Anthem was played, one shouldn't have to inform people that a certain respect should be shown. Above all, please stand up and stand still unlike some people who demonstrated manners to the contrary. It costs nothing to pay our respects for those whose sacrifice cost them their lives.

Lest We Forget

Jon Holmes - Hervey Bay

Local Police

I refer to your article 13 June, although we must and do generally support our police it is difficult to totally agree with your point.

Residents in Pulgul Street and Boat Harbour Drive Urangan have had to put up with hooning, loud trail bikes (unregistered, no lights at all hours of the day and night no helmets) have for some time now provided evidence on numerous occasions both directly to the local station and to Police Link online as requested by the Officers, but no action has been taken even though the Police are well aware of who the culprits are. Why do you need to ride a trail bike at 2-3am in the morning revving the crap out of the bike. Police action needs to be taken before some innocent person is injured or worse and we may live in peace.

Ian Wilson - Urangan

Social Media Responses to Publisher's Point

I think you will find most of the gripe within the community is the lack of police numbers not the ability of the police officers we have. There is simply not enough government funding to have more boots on the ground to combat our rising crime rates in the bay.

Kerrie Cy

They have been there for me when needed and appreciated very much

Thanks guy's

Paul Tilka

Well said mate … can’t thank our officers enough who keep our community safe. It is indeed a tough gig…Caught between policymakers & people

Nitin Menon

I agree 100%.

The bit that gets me, are the comments, “where are the police when you need them?” I've always said that the police don't have a functioning crystal ball.

My dad was a cop for many years when I was a kid. On a daily basis, we would see Dad come home frustrated with the judicial system. Everyone knew Dad as the gentle giant. He had a heart of gold and would use as little force as possible so as not to injure offenders. This often came back to bite him.

Live in the same house as a cop, and you'll soon change your attitude.

Bronco Jensen

Excellent article. You nailed it. I went and thanked them yesterday with a huge box of chocolates. We had a few laughs and I thanked them for all they do for this community. My last words were stay safe. Personal experience certainly makes you appreciate what they do for you.

Lorna Webster

Very good points. There are legitimate gripes though, but more to do with the system and the dreaded Policelink. I would encourage the public to make a complaint online on the Policelink website when they get a less that favourable response that does not meet a reasonable expectation. It’s the only way to drive improvement.

But yes in my experience the local officers do an exceptional job under trying circumstances.

Noela Dickinson