Professionalism at its best

I was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff muscle by David Santana, head of the hospital’s orthopaedic department. As such, on July 20, I was scheduled to have a relatively short surgery which was to be performed by Vicarsh Siewrattan, a venerable expert in his field as many will contend .

However, it seemed that I experienced an anaphylactic reaction to the anaesthetics that were administered. I was later told that my blood pressure and heart rate fell dangerously low and as a result my heart received a severe insult. Prior to the surgery all preliminary tests indicated that I was quite fit .

Also, as far as I know, I have no allergies to any medications .

Consequently, such a dramatic response was quite unexpected .

The anaesthetic team, headed by Dr Sheeva Mungroo, rapidly stabilised and resuscitated me. I remember Dr Altaf urgently but gently waking me from the anaesthetics .

Dr Persaud and Dr Ramsewak continuously monitored and ensured that I was stable within and outside of the recovery room .

Drs Thanoo, Salma Mohammed, St Hill, Yearwood and Chandra frequently observed and encouraged me while I was at the Intensive Care Unit for four days .

Dr Bhagaloo and his team at Ward 5, where I spent a further two days, were extremely professional and made my stay there very comfortable .

That first night at the ICU was critical. I am very grateful to Dr Marika Mohammed, a young and caring individual, for being there the whole night, keeping not only Mungroo constantly informed of my progress but my husband as well .

Currently, I am still recuperating and undergoing further investigations and I especially appreciate the fact that Mungroo continues to give full support and guidance to myself and my husband .

Apart from the doctors, the nurses at the ICU were absolutely gentle, considerate and compassionate. I am truly obliged to these specialists for their expert nursing care .

They are Mel, Routie, Yoslaidy, Roxanne, Sambrano, Nandini, Rhoda, Chris, Suresh, Ovid and others .

To all these wonderful, professional, caring and loving people, I publicly thank you. To those who I may have inadvertently forgotten to mention, I do thank you .

It is my view that the employees at the Sangre Grande Hospital greatly enhance the lives and well-being of many people and as such much effort should be given to the maintenance and improvement of its physical structures as well as the provision of proper resources for its personnel .

These people are true to their calling and with the appropriate machines and medicines our hospital can definitely rival not only private but international ones .

ANGEANIE SIEUNARINE via email