Return to Wellington

Where Preparation is everything

Had another surgery earlier this morning at Wellington Hospital. Was a planned one for cancer treatment and went well.

Service once again pre-theatre was excellent - anaesthetists Margaret and Rupert and I did some preparatory paperwork (yes actual paper, as is par in the Health System here) and then shared a few laughs and reminiscences on old times and previous frequent flights.

Margaret likes to wind up one of my surgeons Lance so there was a good healthy bit of banter in the warm-up - then into theatre for the serious show.

Was well looked after in PACU and Stage 1 Recovery with some nice familiar faces there too.

Progressed this arvo to Stage 2 recovery in the ENT ward. It’s more of a party atmosphere here, particularly around the 3pm staff changeover. They are slammed, oversubscribed as usual, so there’s a lot of patient details to talk through.

The usual dearth of Fortisip here became evident. Fortisip is my beverage of choice while in hospital and on long runs in the mountains. Unfortunately, unlike the Elite setup at Hutt Hospital Plastics Ward (sigh), Fortisip has tended to be in short supply here in Wellington ENT. More than once a determined nurse here has been sent on a search mission to raid other Wards (tip for any nurses reading here: I’ve had good results from forays into Ward 7 North, just quietly).

But no such raids required, this time. This time I came prepared….

[With thanks to Lisa for the kind donation of a large box of fortisip the other day at home. Note also the noise-cancelling headphones: which I have learned are essential patient equipment here]