TWENTY-year-old Jake Reid says he owes his life to the trauma team at Orange hospital.
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Mr Reid thanked the team at an emotional ceremony at Orange hospital on Wednesday where the team leader Vicki Conyers was honoured with an award by the director of nursing Sue Patterson.
“If it wasn’t for you - I would never have had a chance to see this day,” Mr Reid said.
“You have been amazing.”
Last year Mr Reid was critically injured in a car crash sustaining head injuries including bleeding on the brain, a punctured lung and multiple fractures.
“They treated me first here at Orange before I was flown to Sydney and then I came back here for rehabilitation,” Mr Reid said.
Mr Reid’s mother Caroline said returning to the hospital where her son’s life hung in the balance while a specialist trauma team fought to save his life was an emotional experience.
“When he came in that night the work they did to save his life was amazing - and now he’s be able to celebrate his 21st birthday,” she said.
“This is such an emotional day for us all and we don’t know how to thank everyone enough.”
Ms Patterson said Ms Conyers, the clinical nurse consultant for the trauma unit at Orange hospital, had elevated the unit to its level of proficiency.
“She is the one who has made this trauma centre, and is living testament to its success.
“Vicki comes in to work every day and gives 150 per cent by her commitment to driving protocols in the unit,” Ms Patterson said.
Ms Conyers said she was very appreciate of her award.
“But this is all about a team effort - we are a real team,” she said.
Other awards announced at Wednesday’s ceremony were: Nurse of the year Linda Harvey, enrolled nurse of the year Kim Byrnes, director of nursing awards - cardio cath laboratory team, grandparents’ group, Colleen Faul for her work in the acute pain unit, and nursing unit manager of rehabilitation Clare Morcom.
janice.harris
@fairfaxmedia.com.au