Our health services are seriously under-resourced, wait times at emergency departments are out of control, nurses have been on strike for safe staffing levels, and there are fewer paramedics on the road, resulting in patients waiting longer to receive an ambulance. So I was apprehensive when I sought medical help last Saturday (19 November).
I rang Byron Hospital about my covid symptoms and was promptly put through to a registered nurse who assessed I needed an ambulance. Very soon two paramedics arrived at my house in Byron, checked me over, and said I needed IV fluids, which they could infuse right there in my bedroom. Hospital at home. They hooked up the drip to my curtain rail and assured me that with this medicated fluid in me I would feel much better. They were so calm, professional, and reassuring. They left after saying that they would return immediately if I felt worse.
Before they left they asked if they could do anything else for me. I live alone, so I asked if they could change my soiled bed linen and they agreed – well outside their official role.
Their kindness meant a great deal to me at that moment. I give a heartfelt thank you to a system that despite being under great pressure still managed to provide me with exemplary service. Finally a special thank you to those two great paramedics.
