Tambo Memorial ‘angels’ to the rescue

On the afternoon of June 14, Bartlett’s life changed – he was involved in a serious vehicle accident at the intersection of Dormehl Street and Francis Road, in Anderbolt.

Bartlett (49) cannot recall the events of the accident, but was told that his vehicle spun in circles before it came to a still stand.

His white Uno has been written off as a result.

Bartlett was taken to Tambo Memorial Hospital where he was treated with the “utmost seriousness, kindness and respect”.

Around 11pm, he eventually regained consciousness.

Bartlett sustained priority two (P2) injuries (P2 injuries are serious, but not life threatening and these types of injuries include dislocations and simple broken bones).

He broke his pelvis and hip bone.

After his ninth day in hospital a pin was inserted into his left upper leg to straighten the broken pelvis and hip bone.

Bartlett described his four-week-journey at Tambo Memorial Hospital as an absolute pleasure.

“Casualties are beautiful and clean inside. I cannot find fault with casualties and the hospital pharmacy either,” he said.

“The physio department is so clean that you can eat from the floor, too.”

Also, during his stay at hospital his bed was covered with new bedding every second day.

He added that he was constantly informed of what would be happening next.

He said that all the hospital staff – from the cleaners, to the doctors, physiotherapists, nurses and student nurses – are angels.

“The manner in which every staff member treated me, was wow. Everyone was just so fantastic and polite.”

“The personnel truly went out of their way to make my stay as comfortable as possible,” said Bartlett.

“Never were they rude. What you do to others will be done to you.”

Bartlett told the Advertiser that one of the hospital sisters even comforted him while he was crying from pain on her chest.

“They were extremely helpful and patient. If you asked the hospital staff to do something, like scratching your back, it was never a problem.”

“It’s the small things that count.”

When Bartlett was discharged from the Tambo Memorial Hospital, it was strange to say, but a sad goodbye.

“The hospital staff cried more than me. I still phone them or they phone me to hear how things are going,” he said.

Bartlett gives the Tambo Memorial Hospital personnel a 10-out-of-10 for the way in which he was treated and said that he would go there again if he should.

After the vehicle accident, Bartlett’s muscles in his left leg have difficulties growing back.

While in hospital Bartlett received physio in bed, but he now goes for physio every two weeks to make the muscles in the leg stronger.

He has also not climbed into the driver seat of a vehicle ever since.

“I’m scared of getting back behind the wheel again. I did, however, go for two counselling sessions,” he said.

He currently walks or catches a lift with someone to where he wants to be.

Bartlett also said that he has lost a part of his short-term memory.

“I almost died, but God has brought me back to earth with a goal,” said Bartlett.

“One should live every day as if it is the last and should stop searching for the negativity in everything.

“However, I’m grateful it’s all over and now it’s the long road to recovery.”

During Bartlett’s recovery he was off from work (Hair by Wally) for two months.

He would like to thank his colleagues for all their love and support during this tough period: Wally Pretorius (owner), Robyn Eustace and Tanya Britz.

He also thanks his sister, Hester Flach, and Rita Spies who kept all his personal belongings safe.

Traumatic night at Tambo Memorial