Editor:
Six months ago, I fell victim to a pernicious infection called pseudomonas, this through an unhealed surgical incision. Aside from its malevolent nature, pseudomonas has the diabolical capability of altering itself to resist any antibiotic that is thrown at it. People with this noxious affliction have a dismal future if it cannot be eradicated. I am happy to report that the pseudomonas did not reckon with the combined zeal of the nurses of Sechelt Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Unit and the Pender Health Centre, supported by Dr. Wadge, Dr. Wildegrube and Dr. Goojha. It was the savvy of those doctors that conspired to cobble together an oral analgesic program that suppressed the severe nerve pain accompanying the infection.
Following up, the nurses, once made aware of the gravity of what they were dealing with, rolled up their sleeves and made it their personal challenge to make me well. I fear to enumerate them lest in my not-so-great-memory-anymore I miss someone – but notably they have been Jennifer, Catherine, Roslyn, Karen, Brenda, Leslie, Julie, Justine, Hope … and the ever zealous Forstan of the Infectious Disease Clinic at Lions Gate. Forgive me if I’ve missed anyone …
When heavy doses of intravenous antibiotics ran their course with no result, those nurses turned their consummate skill in wound dressing to the innovative application of topical germicides to the wound bed, namely silver nitrate foil. Through dozens (or was it hundreds?) of dressing changes, they inexorably beat my malignant assailant to the ground. Their care has been exemplary of the best of medical practice.
To all those doctors and nurses, I say thank you, which seems a small acknowledgment when I consider what they have done for me; it is not overly dramatic to say they have given me life.
To all persons on the Sunshine Coast who might one day be attended by this fine body of medical professionals, know you that medical practice does not come any better anywhere.
George Pratt, Halfmoon Bay
