AN EMERGENCY EDUCATION

With three trips to the Health Sciences Centre’s Emergency Department in two months, Jake Funk feels like he could teach a course on the subject.

The first time Jake arrived at HSC, he came in an ambulance; he had life-threatening complications related to a hiatus hernia. Two weeks after extensive and successful surgery at HSC, he developed an intestinal blockage, and was back in Emergency again.

After managing the immediate danger, the Emergency Department team recommended a ‘wait and see’ approach to try an avoid another surgery. Jake was admitted, the condition resolved itself, and he went home a second time. Thirty hours later, he made a third visit to HSC due to another unexpected blockage.

"It was pretty traumatic for me, and even the doctor was disappointed to see that I was back," said Jake. His condition was again cared for without surgery, leaving Jake more impressed than ever with HSC’s Emergency Department.

"Each time I was there, everyone from the security guards to the doctors and nurses offered the support and care I needed," said Jake.

Now, he and his wife know where the best seats are in the waiting room, the names of the triage nurses and security guards, and how to find their way to the hospital’s cafeteria for a cup of coffee without getting lost.

They have also learned first hand that the HSC Emergency Department delivers excellent care.

"The doctors worked as a team and were incredible. They saved my life during my first visit, and their expert judgement spared me another surgery,"said Jake. "They were amazing to me."

Jake appreciated the post-surgery follow up as well. "The extra support really makes a difference. The doctors and the nurses explained everything and answered all my questions," he said. "I’m doing really well now; back at work, feeling good and expecting a full recovery."

"I want to say thank you to the people who have donated to the HSC Foundation to support the care at this hospital," said Jake. "And to the ones who are thinking about it, go ahead, you’re not wasting your money. It’s a great way to touch a lot of lives."