Tara Murray
A group of four orthopedic surgery patients who formed a unique bond were reunited at the Epworth Hospital this week.
Julie Matthews, Kate Bush, Vicci Crowley-Clough and Glenda Pitman all had surgery in August.
With COVID-19 restrictions in place, visitors are not permitted into Epworth hospitals, so rehabilitation registrar Dr Julie Carlile suggested the four women start a walking group to pass the hours between rehabilitation and occupational therapy appointments
“We understand this is a difficult time for everyone,” Dr Carlile said.
“I think it’s great that patients are finding ways of supporting each other when they are not able to have visitors.”
The group was reunited on Tuesday at their post-surgery follow-up appointments. They were able to compare notes on their recoveries,
and start planning many more catch-ups.
Ms Matthews said the four women formed a close friendship after spending hours together.
“We started a walking and chat group to help pass the hours and had a ball,” Julie said.
“We shared our stories regarding how we all wound up in the orthopedic ward, how many metal plates, screws and stitches we had”.
“The conversation soon turned to how they got their first jobs, sharing recipes, family photos and solving the world’s problems.
