On May 10, Community Care patient William (Bill Smith) received a surprise, and most welcome, visitor at the home he shared with wife of 65 years Genevieve, when Queensland Governor, Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young invested him with the Medal of the Order of Australia.
Bill, 90, had been due to travel to Government House in Brisbane in the following week to receive the Australia Day award - recognition for spending decades of his life working in the community for organisations such as Vision Australia, Rostrum Australia, Queensland Taxi Bowls Club and the Queensland White Cane Committee.
But St Vincent’s and Ambulance Wish Queensland were concerned that Bill’s ailing health would mean that he was unable or unlikely to attend. So, the Ambulance Wish Team and St Vincent’s Private Hospital Community Specialist Palliative Care Service sprang into action.
They reached out to the Governor’s office and within days they had organised for the Governor to visit Bill at home, where his family witnessed the special medal presentation.
St Vincent’s Private Hospital palliative care and supportive care teams focus on optimising quality of life for people with life-limiting illness by providing physical, emotional and psychosocial support. They treat everyone with compassion, integrity and dignity and aim to provide seamless and coordinated care to people and those who support them, at their place of choice – whether that be at home or in hospital.
Last year, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane managed 613 admissions and provided a total of almost 10,000 bed nights. The St Vincent’s Community Care Team provided thousands of hours of care to several hundred patients in their homes, with 60-80 new referrals being made every month.
Director of Palliative Medicine at St Vincent’s Dr Phillip Good, said the hospital and its dedicated staff provided palliative care which focussed on a person-centred, comprehensive service for people living with an active, progressive, life-limiting disease, with the aim of improving quality of life. Care includes, but is not limited to, symptom and pain management and end of life care.
“It was great to get back to watch the mighty Magpies, and it was very special to catch up with old friends and staff from the club who have been such a big part of my life and to be able to relive some memories of the fantastic times we’ve had with the club over the years,” said Brian.
“Although the Magpies haven’t been travelling too well this year, I was hoping I’d bring them good luck and it’s a shame I couldn’t be their lucky charm – maybe next time!” (The Magpies were beaten by Aspley 107 to 38).
While Brian was confined to a stretcher for the afternoon, nothing could mask the joy and fulfillment he derived by being outdoors and close to live sporting action, while soaking in all the sounds, sights and smells of a suburban footy ground.
