I gave birth to my first child a beautiful baby boy earlier this year. I was discharged from hospital 45 minutes away from where I live the following day. The care that was provided to us during our time in hospital was fantastic but due to bed pressures we needed to go home. At this stage I wasn’t able to establish breastfeeding and was feeding my baby by a syringe and hand expressing.
The following morning I had a visit from Yarrawonga Healths Midwife Michelle who was absolutely wonderful. I had a very tough night and as this was my first time as a mother I was learning a lot. Michelle sat with me for some time and provided education and reassurance around the feeding and processes.
Following on from this I had x2 weekly appointments for 3-4 weeks with the team for lactation support and check ups as my baby had jaundice. I saw Amy, Zoellen and Chelsey and these were a mixture of home visits and appointments at the hospital 7 days a week. Post this I have had some phone support from Amy. I have also received wonderful care from the MHCN in town.
I know 3 other new mothers in town and 3 that have had their 2-3 child in the last 12 weeks also who I believe have had similar positive experiences.
I can’t thank the wonderful team of midwife’s at Yarrawonga Health enough for the care, education and support they have provided to me and by baby during the us first 8 weeks. I feel we are extremely lucky to have such a service in our town where resources are very limited.
I went to Yarrawonga Hospital for 10 days with a chest infection , high blood pressure and copd . Everybody I saw from Kelly, Abby and all cleaning staff, Simone and kitchen staff, nurses step, Tracey, Hayley, Jess, Mez, Caitlin and too many to mention and of course doctors especially doctor John .
I felt very relaxed and comfortable with all staff nothing was a problem for them and in my opinion they obviously love their jobs as they were all working as a happy team . The food was like a 5 star motel in experience . I believe we are a very lucky community to have this service and everyone should know .
AN EFFECTIVE LINK
An admission to a large hospital in the city is a daunting process for many, as indeed it was for Mulwala resident Valerie who had recently experienced a run of poor health leading to multiple hospital admissions and explained that there were definitely some differences between her experiences. Valerie was transferred back to Yarrawonga Health's Acute ward and states "I couldn't fault the care that I received". Staff were always available, were continually checking in to make sure that she had everything she needed, and that she always felt safe. Valerie also appreciated the visits by the Physiotherapist during her stay, which resulted in a timely discharge and subsequent referral to Community Services for Pulmonary Rehabilitation. When Valerie was discharged from the acute ward, she was surprised to receive a phone call from the Intake worker the same day, who assessed her needs and also provided referrals to Dietetics and Occupational Therapy. "The intake was very thorough, they asked me what I needed to see how urgent things were and then provided an appointment for the Dietitian on the spot", says Valerie. Since then, Valerie has attended two appointments with the Dietitian and is continuing to attend the Pulmonary Rehabilitation classes with the Physiotherapist while waiting for her Occupational Therapy home visit. She feels that the effective link between the Acute and Community Services at Yarrawonga Health has really enhanced her recovery; "I'm really enjoying meeting people at the classes and getting a better understanding of how to manage my condition" she said. "From start to finish, I honestly couldn't fault the wonderful work of all the staff."
"From start to finish, I honestly couldn't fault the wonderful work of all the staff."
- Valerie