South Metropolitan Health Service

SMHS hospitals and community-based services provide valuable and wide-ranging care to many in our community. The breadth of care and treatment often has a positive impact on patients.

The following stories highlight how the care and treatment given by our staff has made a real difference to our patient's lives.

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Finding positives in the unexpected While visiting from the UK, an unusual tightening in BIll's chest led to a 15-day hospital stay to treat heart failure, atrial fibrillation and a lung infection.
Living a fulfilled life again thanks to occupational therapy Joe spent 72 days at Rockingham General Hospital for rehabilitation after a stroke left him unable to walk or use his left arm, but thanks to intensive occupational therapy is back on his feet doing what he loves.
Adrian's heartful thanks to allied health professionals After undergoing a successful heart transplant in 2020, Adrian saw a range of allied health professionals daily for seven weeks to support his recovery and get him back on track.
Breast cancer a surprise diagnosis for Patrick Patrick wasn’t even aware men could develop breast cancer when he was first diagnosed, but now spreads awareness that early detection and treatment are the best way to survive the disease.
Breathing in new life It’s hard to capture the impact receiving a donated organ or tissue has on a person's life, but John, who received a single left lung transplant at Fiona Stanley Hospital in 2021, is clear on what it means to him.
Simple blood test can save lives Gerry Sturmer knows better than most how a simple blood test can detect prostate cancer, the most common cancer in Australia.
Collaboration returns Hannah from the sound of silence Hannah faced a future of complete deafness until an auditory brain stem implant restored her hearing and changed her life.
Screening study detects Leonie's lung cancer early After joining an international lung cancer screening study, Leonie Bamford was left counting her lucky stars when a lump on her lung was discovered early enough for her undergo curative surgery.
Tija's headaches a distant memory Debilitating headaches were interrupting 14-year-old Tija Kins' sleep, schooling and daily activities, but innovative treatment from the Virtual Immunology Clinic at Fiona Stanley Hospital has changed her life.
A breast cancer journey during a pandemic The breast cancer journey from diagnosis to chemotherapy, mastectomy and radiation therapy is difficult in normal times, but throw in the COVID-19 pandemic and it becomes even tougher, as single mother of two Amy Duckworth found out.
Gordon's occupational therapy journey to home September 2021 is a month 81-year-old Gordon Tristham will not forget in a hurry – it was the month he was admitted to Rockingham General Hospital’s Aged Care Rehabilitation Unit for four weeks following a sudden decline in his mobility.
Allied health professionals giving the gift of recovery Christmas should be an exciting and joyful time, but in December 2020, life changed dramatically for 61-year-old Anthony ‘Tony’ Basile when he was rushed to the Fiona Stanley Hospital emergency department after collapsing.
Tailored hospital care helps elderly residents stay home A triple service collaboration across Fiona Stanley and Fremantle hospitals is providing patients like Kaye with person centred care at the right time and in the right place.
Helping Morgan navigate the road to recovery With the support of the Spinal Outreach Service at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Morgan is learning to navigate life from the seat of his wheelchair.
Overcoming the sound of silence Aspiring writer Tara suffered a stroke that left her unable to speak and comprehend. Thanks to months of intense speech and language therapy, Tara has regained her voice.
Home is where the heart is for 90-year-old-Dallas Thanks to the Rehabilitation in the Home (RITH) program, which provides short-term allied health therapy at home, Dallas was able to spend most of her time recovering from a fall at home with her husband Bob.
Kevin's journey to walk again after flu-induced coma After spending three weeks in a coma on life support and dialysis, Kevin faced his recovery with courage as he learned to walk again.

Last Updated: 04/04/2023

Patient stories