Andrew Fafita returned to the ENT ward recently to say thanks to the team!

An unusually quiet Sunday in mid-May left 8AN staff teeming with pride after ex-patient and professional rugby league player Andrew Fifita dropped in with a surprise gift.

The footballer himself carried in a signed and framed jersey, the very same one that he was wearing on the field the day his injury occurred, accompanied by photos of Andrew playing football and from his time as an inpatient in 8AN.

8AN’s Nurse Unit Manager Madelaine Campbell said 8AN staff and his treating team were excited and completely surprised to see Andrew again, with some even coming in on their days off.

“We thought he was just coming to say thank you but instead he brought his massive memorabilia and requested it to be hung in our Eat, Walk, Engage area,” Madelaine Campbell said.

“He was an inpatient with us for a few weeks and would often sit down in our eat, walk, engage area and chat to the other patients.

“He was a great advocate for health and was always motivating fellow patients to get up and move.

“We love seeing our patients recover and getting back to doing what they love – it was a really special time for the whole team involved.”

Treating consultant Dr Elizabeth Hodge was also on hand to receive the gift and said as a specialist it is wonderful to be able to work as part of a team in an institution like RBWH.

“We are privileged to be able to make a difference to patients and to know they are appreciative of the support and care they have received”.