ST A N D REW’S N EWS | AUT UM N 2021
ST ANDREW’S VERY OWN FREQUENT FLYER WAYNE SINGH
Whether it be the wonderful staff working night, morning or afternoon shift, their communication skills are exemplary and it’s obvious that their priority is providing highest quality patient care. In 2004, Wayne was diagnosed with prostate cancer and began radiotherapy treatment at St Andrew’s. Developing further health issues, he began many regular overnight stays at the hospital for cystoscopy procedures and sixmonthly kidney stent replacements from 2019. Despite all of this, he jokes, “Things are now working well!” Originally from the country, Wayne began his working life in the agricultural and livestock industry until 1972 when he applied for the Administrator position at a rural hospital. So began his 44-year career in the healthcare industry which included holding the CEO position with a high-profile Adelaide private hospital, and in more recent years, being a “frequent flyer” at St Andrew’s. Throughout his career in health administration, Wayne has played an active role with a number of professional bodies including Australian Healthcare Association, and the Australian Private Hospitals Association. Having been a keen advocate for high standards in healthcare delivery and, since retirement, continuing to remain highly active and widely sought in healthcare related projects, he can definitely claim knowing a thing or two about hospitals.
Wayne was an avid footballer and cricketer, and it was after a football grand final injury he first visited St Andrew’s Hospital in 1965 for surgery. Wayne tells the story of his knee operation (medial meniscectomy) and, as there were no arthroscopies back then, he was put to bed to rest for five days before beginning rehabilitation. It was after this particular operation, while recovering in his room, that he decided to turn on the radio and listen to the test cricket. He recalls the Matron on the ward immediately visiting his room, demanding he turn off the radio; he must rest after surgery, not listen to the cricket! In June 2019, in consultation with the urologists and cancer specialists, that for “quality of life”, it was decided Wayne’s prostate and bladder be replaced with an ileal conduit, a procedure which took place in October 2019. At this time, it was also determined that a stent was needed in his left kidney to keep it functioning. The stent needed replacing every six months. When asked about these sixmonthly visits to the hospital, Wayne says, ”Whether it be the wonderful staff working night, morning or afternoon shift, their communication skills are exemplary and it’s obvious that their priority is providing highest quality patient care. They explain things in a manner which is clearly understood
and their focus never changes. What great ambassadors for the hospital. “There is no doubt that the reputation of St Andrew’s Hospital, as a leading private hospital provider, is in no small way created by the skills, patient focus and caring attitude provided by the frontline nursing staff in delivering their commitment of high-quality patient care. The students also demonstrate a caring attitude toward the patients and, hopefully, they will be employed in the health system following graduation. This caring attitude is also displayed by the operating theatre suite and recovery staff, doctors, critical care staff, stoma nurses, allied health teams, admission staff, medical orderlies, catering, cleaning and administration staff. This is a credit to the St Andrew’s Hospital team, and clearly demonstrated by a positive culture permeating throughout the hospital.” On longer stays at St Andrew’s, Wayne is always very happy to receive visits from the hospital Chaplain, Peter Morel where a number of topics are often discussed. Wayne’s kidney stent replacements will mean we continue to regularly welcome him to St Andrew’s, where we look forward to providing him with the best care and keeping him “working well” to enjoy his retirement and time with family.
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