Phillip Ryan’s Stroke Journey at Royal North Shore Phillip Ryan, a retired Royal Australian Navy
“The professionalism and kindness of the staff were beyond anything I could have imagined,” he said. Phillip also praised the seamless coordination of his treatment, from arrival to discharge. Now in recovery, Phillip participates in a research study on cognitive abilities, recognising the importance of contributing to medical advancements. “I’m incredibly grateful I got my life back thanks to the skill and professionalism of the staff,” he said, rating his experience “10/10.”
veteran, faced a life-changing event on Easter Sunday when he suffered a stroke. While visiting family in Naremburn, Phillip suddenly felt his arm go numb and he lost the ability to speak. His wife, Annette, quickly recognised the signs of a stroke and called an ambulance, which arrived within 15 minutes. Rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH), Phillip underwent tests before waking up in the intensive care unit (ICU) the next morning. He later learned that two clots in his brain had affected his speech, caused by undiagnosed atrial fibrillation. The hospital’s medical team performed a complex clot retrieval procedure, accessing the clot through an artery in his groin. “The result of that not happening... I could have been paralysed, maybe lost half of my face,” Phillip said. Throughout his stay, Phillip was deeply impressed by the care he received. Badminton turns to bravery Rodney Chan, a radiographer at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital (HKH), was playing badminton when he saved a life. A fellow player suddenly collapsed and became unresponsive, with Rodney quickly taking charge. “After ensuring the area was safe, I checked for a response from the patient and then called for help,” he said. “I opened the patient’s airway and checked for breathing. When I found that the patient was not breathing, I commenced CPR, including chest compressions and mouth-to- mouth resuscitation.” The first defibrillator arrived with only one pad, but Rodney continued chest compressions until a second defibrillator was found. With the assistance of fellow HKH radiographers Adrian and Amy, and registered nurse Claire, the team administered two shocks, successfully reviving the player just as the ambulance arrived. “Throughout the incident, we relied on our training and remained calm and focused, ensuring we provided the necessary care until the paramedics took over,” he said. “This experience has profoundly impacted how I view my role as a healthcare professional. It highlighted that our responsibilities extend beyond the hospital
Back on track: Phillip and his wife Annette
and that we can make a significant difference in people’s lives, even outside the clinical setting.” The paramedics credited Rodney and his team for saving the person’ life, a testament to their quick thinking and teamwork. Rodney was awarded employee of the month.
Rodney Chan
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