We are pleasantly surprised as we are sitting in the very comfortable Baileys Serviced Apartments in East Perth. Way back in 2012 (?), Michael had his first shoulder surgery under Mister Ben Kimberley. Unaware of boarding as an option (the Mount Hospital probably wishes I'd never found out), I had tried to find close accommodation to the hospital for overnight. As the same time as CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) was being held in Perth. Accommodation was almost unobtainable. The Baileys Motel (a different premises) offered a room that I could afford. In hindsight, I wished I'd discovered a nice cozy manger. That night, seared into my memory, was spend tossing and turning in a hot, airless room on a bed, that I was convinced, was crawling with bedbugs.
This afternoon, as we approached that infamous motel, my heart sank into the bottom of my shoes. Fortunately, we drove on to a pretty schmick looking modern building, also called Baileys. But what a contrast. We entered through the front door as speaking into an intercom. Security was evident and efficient and the young lass on reception was behind a sturdy barrier. However, if I'd allowed my imagination to wander, I might have thought I was in Singapore or Hong Kong. One of the domestic assistants was using a short Asian-style brush to sweep the entry. In fact, I wondered if the staff were all from one extended family.
One room is very comfortable indeed and has access to open air - quite a refreshing change from other establishments, including hospitals. I can hear birds outside - we are close to Wellington Square, which has been transformed from a dingy locality attracting undesirables to a vibrant and welcoming space for families. As I sip an exceedingly delicious glass of Semillon (no grass seeds in this vino), Michael is having a snooze. We intend to have an early dinner of left over risotto before an early night. For tomorrow marks Michael's second hip replacement surgery.
If not for Ben Kimberley, there would be no way we would attend the Mount Hospital. I have bought and packed my own heat patches as I could not get a wheat pack heated for my lower back pain. I have brought extra blankets for both Michael and me, along with soapy steel wool pads to wash our cups and spoons and two tea towels. I have purchased a DVD player for him as the TVs are too far from the beds and the volume is insufficient for those a little hard of hearing. I have sorted our own soap, as the bathroom hand wash provided is unsatisfactory for Michael in the shower. I already know I will have to hunt for less-than-threadbare towels from the linen trolley once we are on the ward. I have printed Michael's meds list and packed the RATs (Rapid Antigen Tests for Covid). I was highly amused that the information regarding negative RATs required from both of us was not sent to Michael's phone until this afternoon. We were already in Perth at that point, so I would have had to find a chemist and purchased more if I hadn't remembered the protocol. Does the hospital not take into consideration that country patients may need a little more notice for pre-operative requirements?
And so, in the morning, at the fabulous hour of six thirty, we will join the cattle call of morning surgery admissions at the Mount. I am hoping that the process is more streamlined than last time, when Michael's nurse was still recording his meds as I shaved his hip region and helped him perform a swift change into the theatre gown whilst the orderly was waiting to take him for his operation.
As ever, I shall scan the room for dust and soiled dressings. I have also packed his diet ginger beer which he loves to settle his tummy (unavailable at the private hospital) and his alkaline water, along with his coffee grinder, beans and plunger. With all our luggage in tow, we appear to be going on an expedition to the Dark Continent.
I am unsure of my reaction if we are offered room 286/287 again. That could be my first test. I am hoping that all my feedback has been taken seriously by the Director of Nursing and we shall have a less stressful stay. Through my own endeavours, I discovered that we could obtain the equipment Michael requires through the Northam Hospital, which I have collected. Free for three months. Apparently, the Mount Hospital can write referrals for the equipment needs of country patients at a more accessible location. Another piece of information that they are either completely unaware or simply have failed to implement.
And so, as I prepare for a possible war footing, wish us luck. I shall be relieved when Michael returns from theatre in one piece. I shall be even more relieved if he has no side effects post operatively. I shall be supremely relieved if he receives the care that he deserves.
Until tomorrow!
Except when he is enjoying his food!
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