Lukas McHugh: A fighter’s story At just 18, Lukas McHugh never thought he could have a stroke. But one morning, he woke up unable to move the left side of his body.
student nurses from NSLHD were also fantastic—so supportive and attentive,” he said. His experience has changed his perspective on life. “You’re not invincible. You have to take care of yourself. I appreciate more now—study, work, everything I can do.” He recommends that if you feel you are having signs of a stroke, to get to the hospital as fast as possible.
“I thought I’d just slept on it funny—pins and needles. I didn’t know that was a sign of a stroke,” Lukas said. Realising something was seriously wrong, he called an ambulance and was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH), where the stroke team acted immediately. “The patient had classic stroke symptoms— left-sided weakness, facial droop, and limb drift,” said Sheila Jala, stroke clinical nurse consultant. “Thanks to the team’s rapid response, we achieved a door-to-needle time of just 16 minutes and a door-to-groin time of 57 minutes.” Door-to-needle time refers to the crucial window from hospital arrival to receiving clot-busting treatment. Faster treatment leads to better recovery outcomes. Now on the road to recovery, Lukas is grateful. “The nurses were lovely, the doctors were informative, and they were always open to speak and answer all my questions. The Northern Sydney Local Health District. Originally trained by NSLHD employee Emily Gregg, Angus began visiting wards at Hornsby Hospital after she joined the spinal unit and saw the impact therapy dogs could have. “Angus was born a normal dog—then he became something extraordinary,” she said. When Emily moved to the South Coast, her mum Joanne Gregg took the lead. Now, Joanne and Angus continue to do the rounds together, with Angus providing support to patients who need it. Joanne said Angus provides a lot of love and affection. “There have been times when I’ve seen people in real distress, and Angus will just sit beside them without being asked. He just knows,” she said. “He just makes people smile, he gives patients love and nudges, he knows when people are sick. When we give them bad
Lukas McHugh (left) and friend
Meet Angus, the pawsome therapy dog For eight years, Angus the Delta Therapy dog has been bringing joy to patients across
news he just knows. He has a sixth sense.” Eight years in, Angus still loves his job—and has no plans to slow down. After a recent vet check, Joanne said, “He shows no signs of slowing down. He’s happy, healthy and ready to keep going.”
Angus
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