Margaret River staff credited for life saving care of 11-year-old

An 11-year-old Margaret River boy with a big heart has returned to Margaret River Hospital to thank staff for saving his life.

When Jack faced life-threatening injuries following an incident on his bike, the local healthcare team’s quick response meant he could be stabilised and airlifted to Perth within the hour.

“I don’t have the words to express my overwhelming gratitude and admiration for the expertise, skills, support and care everyone gave us,” Jack’s mum, Helen, said.

“His recovery has been nothing short of miraculous and while we have a long road ahead, I truly believe the care in those critical first hours at Margaret River made all of the difference.

“The Margaret River team were familiar faces in an otherwise very overwhelming time - knowing he had the best care possible kept me going.

“Everyone from the hospital, the St John Ambulance team, the chopper crew, Jack’s school, it felt like the whole community really stepped up to support us.”

Recently, Jack returned to Margaret River Hospital to thank the staff with some chocolate and ‘Lifesaver’ lollies.

“Thanks to them, Jack was able to attend his end of year graduation, something which, in the initial days and weeks following the incident, we never considered,” Helen added.

Margaret River Director of Nursing – Health Service Manager Marie Tweedie was on site when Jack arrived at the hospital and echoed Helen’s praise towards the local staff.

“Jack presented to our emergency department with potentially life-threatening injuries,” she said.

“Thankfully the team pulled together very quickly and were able to treat and stabilise him for his flight which is an amazing effort – receiving consultants at Perth Children’s Hospital remarked on the fantastic job of the team.

“We don’t often get feedback when we send patients to Perth and with Jack being so young, we were all concerned, so to see him come in and hear he’s recovering in leaps and bounds was a relief for everyone.”