A Parent at the Bedside

Stephen, Shawn and their family consented to the recording and release of this episode. On today’s episode of Humanity is a Beautiful Thing I am joined by Stephen. In 2018 Stephen’s son Shawn was working and living in Sydney, Australia. On the 29th of July he fell 12 meters off an overpass. He was a major trauma and sustained multiple life-threatening injuries including a traumatic brain injury, pelvic fractures, facial fractures, and skull fractures, amoung others. After spending four months in hospital Shawn made a full recovery. Stephen and I have kept in contact via email since then and I have had the privilege of hearing updates on how Shawn has been over the last five years. This conversation with Stephen was so humbling. We discussed the realties and helplessness that can be felt whilst being a family member at the bedside and that amongst the difficult patient presentations and times there are some wonderful stories to. Even in their worst times they were and continue to be so thankful and grateful for the work we do. I am very thankful and appreciative for this conversation, and I think it was very courageous for Stephen to come on to talk to me about what was such a painful time for him and his family so I hope this episode brings solace, hope and a reminder that your job is recognised, cherished, and valued and you touch and have an impact on people’s lives well beyond their admission.