Broome hospital team a lighthouse of hope for Sydney holidaymaker

A grateful Sydneysider who developed serious health issues while holidaying on a cruise ship off Broome has heaped praise on WA Country Health Service staff and paramedics, describing them as a “lighthouse of hope”.

Raymond Cooke was rushed to Broome Health Campus Emergency Department after suddenly falling ill in early October.

Subsequent tests revealed he was suffering from a combination of double pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

“After a chest scan and blood tests and a thorough examination, my condition was determined as being quite serious as my oxygen level was low and I had a fever,” Raymond said.

“The doctor and nursing staff took time to help me understand the seriousness of my condition and were there to answer any questions I had. 

“I’m not sure how long I was in resus, but I was having severe coughing episodes and I was transferred to the High Dependency Unit.”

Raymond went on to spend 12 days in hospital including eight days in the High Dependency Unit.

“As my oxygen level progressed steadily with the constant care and support, I began to feel better and was encouraged to go for walks around the hospital to assist in my breathing,” he said.  

“I was transferred to the general ward and I continued to receive the best of care and support for me and my wife Annie, who was staying in a hotel close to the hospital.  

“Annie was always shown love and care whenever she came to visit me each day.”  

After returning to Sydney, Raymond took pen to paper to thank everyone in the Broome team—from the cleaners and kitchen staff to the nurses and doctors—for being “kind, considerate, and above all professional”.

“From the moment the paramedics transferred me from the cruise ship to Broome Hospital, I was treated with tender, loving care,” he wrote.

“Coming ashore from the sea, it was a lighthouse of hope.

“I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all the medical staff and others who made my stay in Broome Hospital a memorable and wonderful experience of love and care during a traumatic experience.

“Thank you for nursing me back to full health. I will always look back on my time in Broome with gratitude, love and affection.”

Broome Hospital Operations Manager James Sherriff said Raymond’s letter was deeply moving and uplifting for the team.

“Raymond’s journey from such a serious health episode to recovery is inspiring, and we are honoured that he entrusted us with his care during such a challenging time,” James said.

“It means so much to know that the compassion, professionalism, and dedication of our staff made a difference.”

Raymond had last visited Broome some 50 years earlier while serving in the Royal Australian Air Force.