In praise of Monash Children's Hospital
I recently went through a life-changing experience. What seemed at first like a routine medical check-up for my daughter suddenly changed to an ambulance journey to Box Hill hospital. From there my daughter was referred to a specialist team at Monash Children’s Hospital and within hours was admitted to their Intensive Care Unit. I had always known of the Monash as an iconic and well-respected institution, but never thought I would ever be there beside one of my children in a critical condition.
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It is confrontational to see your child suddenly helpless in a quiet room with heart and breathing monitors and a drip attached to her. You feel helpless, too in this situation.
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What I hadn’t even thought of was if, and when she might get better. What I hadn’t even contemplated was the profound impact the medical staff could have on me at this time: the kindness and practicality of the paramedics who strapped my daughter in with no fuss and took her to the hospital, the speed and practicality of the doctors, and most of all, the calmness and courage of the nurses firstly in ICU, then in haematology, brilliantly competent in using the equipment, taking the blood draws and keeping my daughter as cool and comfortable as humanly possible in that situation. Their patience knows no bounds as parents ask them repeatedly whether their child will get better. These people do an extraordinary job without any complaint or sense of ego. They are so very far removed from so many of the people I have worked with in the past. They somehow made me feel my daughter would be okay in their hands.
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I was lucky as my daughter is now out of hospital and in rehabilitation. I hope there is a way to allow health professionals to all feel the public’s respect and receive the pay that they deserve. I am forever grateful to the paramedics, doctors and nurses from the Monash Children’s Hospital who cared for my daughter. They epitomise everything that is great about Australia.
Partner at BDO in Australia - Audit and Assurance, National Leader of Not-for-Profit
2 个月I'm so sorry to hear you had to go through this Tim. I hope everything is okay and your daughter is on the road to recovery. We are very lucky with the medical services we have available to all Australian's, especially our children.
Finance Analyst (Corporate Accountant) at Telstra
2 个月Hi Tim, glad to hear that your daughter is getting better. Wishing you and your family all the best for her recovery.
Connecting the highest quality Audit, Risk and Business Advisory professionals in the market with businesses across Australia and NZ
3 个月What a terrifying experience Tim Fairclough. As a parent I can’t imagine the emotions and fear you would have experienced. So grateful that we have the resources available to have your daughter in rehabilitation and hopefully on the mend. Sending lots of well wishes to you and your family
Audit Partner | NFP Audit Specialist | Member, ACNC Adviser Forum | Financial Reporting | Head of HLB Mann Judd Australasian Not for Profit Industry Group
3 个月Hi Tim, thanks for sharing. Such a frightening situation and glad your daughter is out of hospital now and hopefully on her way to a speedy recovery. And yes, our healthcare professionals do a wonderful job in exceptionally challenging circumstances - not just for the amazing healthcare they provide, but also for liaising with worried family members. They all deserve our continuous gratitude.
EA to Group Executive Technology at AustralianSuper
3 个月Beautiful post, Tim. I'm so glad your daughter is recovering.