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`Big Jon` is a familiar face at TPCH, having spent several weeks in a coma at TPCH in 2011 after a blister on his foot developed into sepsis. He would then go on to be diagnosed with a rare neurological issue, causing muscle weakness and loss of mobility.

Over the past 15 years, Jon has visited the hospital many times for support, admitting Charlie`s is like a second home. He`s been hospitalised more than 400 times and now visits once a fortnight for treatment.

“What CIDP is, it’s an autoimmune disease that my body is fighting and trying to attack my nervous system. So, a good way of explaining it is like a jug cord. That cord’s got wires inside. Well, that’s your nerves. The plastic around would be the myelin sheath. So essentially, my immune system is trying to eat the plastic around the wires to get to the nerves," Jon said, explaining his condition.

"And that’s what my body’s doing right now… So, unfortunately, with the CIDP, your protective layer around the nerves is damaged and the treatment to slow the condition means I’m more susceptible to infection,” he added.

Jon is an ambassador for tomorrow`s The Prince Charles Hospital Giving Day through @thecommongoodau raising funds for research and patient care initiatives at TPCH. You can find out more via the link in our bio. ...

"I had a scan in February and found out I had cancer in my oesophagus; I had to see the specialist here at the Royal Brisbane and then I had to have chemotherapy at the hospital in Hervey Bay. Once I finished the chemotherapy, I had six weeks off and then I came here and I had an operation to cut the cancer out of my oesophagus. I was here recovering for about 11 weeks and then I was on the train back to Gayndah, where I`m from. When I got back, I wasn`t feeling good, so I called the ambulance and had to come back to the hospital on the plane and now I am here for another operation. I am usually in a caravan travelling around the countryside, but I took on a job as being a caretaker and that is what I was doing before I fell ill. You just have to take one step at a time, that is all I can say."

💭 Monday Mantra, Leo, RBWH Ward 9A South Patient ...

TPCH Recreation Officer Adam is on a roll helping consumers in the Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (SMHRU), using painting and decorating of skateboard decks to portray their stories. 🛹🎨

“I really encouraged them to use words and images on the decks that are meaningful to them, and the clients that came down, they really got involved in it, really enjoyed what they have done,” Adam said, reflecting on the unique activity.

“I enjoy looking after the clients, working out what their interests are and how I can tap into that to make their stay here a lot more pleasant and comfortable.

“It also giving them skills and introducing new things that hopefully help them move forward in their lives.”

The skateboards will be mounted in the SMHRU front office foyer so everyone can see and appreciate the creativity of our consumers. 🤩 ...

For many patients, faith can have an integral role in their healing and wellbeing during their hospital stay. 🙏❤️‍🩹

TPCH Senior Chaplain Judy coordinates pastoral care services for patients that nominate a denomination when they are admitted to hospital, supporting a wide range of religions.

"We receive lists of patients via their admissions denomination and also via phone referrals, and then our volunteers like Eugene [pictured] will make their way through their list for the day, visiting their patients," Judy said.

"We see people when they`ve often had a life changing diagnosis, this is a heart and chest hospital after all, and the patients call the shots. We have many patients that might come down from the flying doctor service, so they have no one to talk to until their families arrive sometime days later.

"You don`t even have to be religious to want to see a chaplain, we ask them how we can help, sometimes that is end of life prayers or sometimes it is just for a chat."

#ShoutoutSaturday to Judy, Eugene, and all of our chaplains and volunteers across Metro North. You can find out more about our spiritual support services available at Metro North at the link in our bio. ...