[Lauren O’Brien]

#89539

It is a privilege to finally belong to a wonderful interdisciplinary team – Umduduzi at Albert Luthuli Hospital. It is a team that has the patient and their families at the very center. We are able to access all notes pertaining to the care of the child, by all Health-care workers, Radiology, Histology, Serology etc. This allows for Continuity of Care. We respect and support each other practically and emotionally. The team members motivate each other, and together we are stronger. Julia Ambler and Tracy Brand superbly lead from the front and are so inspiring. They keep the team buoyant and focused. Their compassion for the patients and the team is palpable. The Nurses, administration lady, translator, social worker etc all have their defined roles, but are happy to help out where needed. We debrief regularly within the security of the team. This team is what I imagined and hoped for in Children’s palliative Care.

I have worked as a community GP for 25 years before embarking on the journey of Palliative Care. I enjoyed this time and developed a lovely professional relationship with my patients over the years, and it was a rewarding job. However, with the benefit of hindsight, I can see the many drawbacks of private work. Most GP’s/Specialists in private work as Silos, in Solo Practices. When referring to Specialists, the number of those who send feedback is in the minority (I had a long working relationship with those Specialists). Without feedback, we deny our patients continuity of care. It also can erode trust and confidence that the patient has in the Specialist and GP. The other problem with the Silo phenomenon is that there are no or very limited opportunities to debrief.

In terms of Self-Care, my husband and my now adult children are my greatest support, and they fill my cup. My husband is a Surgeon and we understand each others pressures and anxieties. We often debrief on the kitchen couch with a glass of wine. It is a special part of the day. Connecting with my family makes me happy. They respect what I do, and they keep me grounded. I am fortunate to have some ‘doctor’ friends whom I trust and we debrief telephonically which is great!
I do Pottery classes, for which I have no real talent, but I enjoy the creativity and friendships.
I do random exercise but I need to be better about prioritising it! Currently I am doing 2km a day in May as part of a Jess Foord foundation challenge.

the longer i have been in practice, the better I am becoming at taking care of myself. I wish I had learnt this years ago!

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