Werrently Swart (Dan) is one of more than 1000 patients who have used the new dedicated post-operative care service at Mackay Base Hospital in the last five months.
The Blacks Beach fitter and turner has been battling a serious infection in his left hip since March following a joint replacement 18 months ago at another facility.
He has enormous praise for the Mackay HHHS Post Operative Discharge Support Service (PODSS) which has allowed him to access support and information and to bypass the busy emergency department to facilitate follow up care and treatment.
“It’s a service that you can ask questions like ‘is this normal’ or if you need advice about your wound, or the surgeon’s instructions or medication – it’s very reassuring to be able to contact them if you have any concerns at all about your recovery after your procedure,” he said.
“We’ve been able to talk over the phone and even send photos of my wound to the team to see if we need to come in for treatment.
“It’s been a lifeline. It saves time, it saves worry and waiting for appointments and it allows you to avoid the busy ED.”
Dan has required three surgical procedures to “wash out” his hip since March. He has now undergone the first of a two-stage hip revision to clear the infection and then the joint will be replaced.
“The care I’ve received has been exceptional. I really think a lot of them and I’m looking forward to making a full recovery,” Dan said.
Mackay HHS Clinical Nurse Consultant Chelsea Presley said the PODSS team met with between 15 and 20 patients every day who were discharging from hospital to provide them with information and a phone number to call for assistance for up to 30-days post surgery.
“Since March we’ve assisted more than 1000 patients and the service has halved the need for ED presentations post-surgery,” Chelsea said.
The team answered up to 15 calls a day from patients seeking advice or looking for reassurance about their recovery process.
“It can be an overwhelming time for some people after surgery so our service offers them helpful information, advice and reassurance, plus same day treatment if necessary,” she said.
“This service is also very useful for patients who live out of town and need advice when they get home from hospital.
“It’s a great way to provide support to our patients and relieve pressure in the ED.”
