‘Magnificent’ care saves wife
When Bill McKenna left his wife’s beside in intensive care, he wasn’t sure if he would see her alive again.
RoseMarie McKenna had been rushed to Nelson Hospital in a critical condition with complications from a colostomy surgery that had resulted in septicemia.
Bill said specialist help was needed, but some of the surgeons were busy in another operating theatre. It just so happened that a doctor with ICU experience stayed behind after finishing his shift to assist. A nurse also stayed on for another four hours after her shift to help.
‘‘Without those two people at that particular time, Rosie wouldn’t be here,’’ Bill says.
The 72-year-old Nelson woman had had ulcerative colitis for seven years. The inflammatory bowel disease saw her hospitalised with acute pain several times.
She had the colostomy in midSeptember but more than a week later was back in hospital, in a life-threatening condition.
That night, Bill says, urgency took on a new meaning.
‘‘What happened after that at ICU was unbelievable – the staff were magnificent.’’
RoseMarie was hooked up to seven machines that were keeping her alive. She spent eight weeks in hospital recovering before being discharged at the end of November.
In an emotional reunion at Nelson Hospital on Wednesday, Bill and RoseMarie presented each of the health professionals involved with plaques as a symbol of their gratitude.
‘‘All the staff I came across have had goodwill and showed such kindness towards me,’’ RoseMarie said.
‘‘It was the way you sat on the bed and held my hand – it meant so much.’’
Bill said he wanted to share their positive experience, and thanked the staff for their time, skill and empathy.
‘‘I suspect there are a lot of people that don’t come out of ICU and consequently they have no voice.’’
General surgeon Dr Ros Pochin thanked the McKennas for going to the effort to acknowledge everyone involved.
RoseMarie said she was indebted to all the hospital staff who had supported her in the last few months.
‘‘There’s not enough thanks is there. How can you thank a person for saving your life?’’
’’How can you thank a person for saving your life?’’
RoseMarie McKenna