WA Country Health Service helps patient go for gold

Bunbury local and heart transplant recipient Merrell Carter had a unique goal for 2023 – to represent Australia in the darts competition at the World Transplant Games.

But after developing nerve and muscle damage to her leg, Merrell found herself unsteady on her feet, and her chances of competing were starting to slip.

Enter the WA Country Health Service team via the Home Links Rehabilitation in the Home (RITH) program in Bunbury.

“I was hospitalised after a fall and after discharge was supported by the RITH team. They came to my home and helped with my physio to build my strength and get me walking on the damaged leg,” Merrell said.

“I made a list of goals – to walk unaided, get up and down steps, and get to the World Transplant Games.”

Merrell worked with the RITH team on functional tasks, improving her endurance, balance and confidence in her mobility.

Not only did she achieve her goal of attending the games, she took home a gold medal.

Merrell was also able to participate in the World Transplant Games opening walk and dinner, walking up the stairs herself – a feat which previously she didn’t feel confident to attempt.

“The RITH team were amazing with their encouragement whenever I doubted myself. I’m so grateful to the whole team. Without them, I’d have never reached my goals.”

Bunbury Regional Hospital Director Jeff Calver said Merrell’s rehabilitation journey is testament to the innovative and hardworking service provided by the RITH team.

“WA Country Health Service has a team of health professionals here in Bunbury who have been specially trained to deliver a range of care, education and support via home visit, phone call or a telehealth appointment,” he said.

But it wasn’t just the WA Country Health Service team that helped Merrell get to where she is today.

“It’s important to remember I’m only competing because of a special gifted heart and a family who said yes to organ donation,” Merrell said.

Registering to be an organ and tissue donor is easy. Visit DonateLife to find out more.