In a heart-warming display of support and gratitude for staff at PA Hospital’s Spinal Injuries Unit (SIU), Canberra-based Ambassador of Peru H.E. Vitaliano Gallardo Valencia made the 950-kilometre trip to Brisbane to thank the SIU team in person for their exemplary care of one very special patient.
After a serious accident caused 32-year-old Peruvian-born Jorge Castro to lose the use of his legs, he knew it would be a long road to recovery. But thanks to the tireless efforts of doctors, nurses and the allied health team at the unit, Jorge says he feels extremely lucky to have a second chance at life.
“I'm getting really good care in this hospital, and I feel very lucky to be here,” said Jorge.
“I’m also thankful to have this opportunity to meet with the Ambassador. I’m glad that he is here.”
Leaving his family and friends behind in Peru, Jorge had come a long way to carving a new life for himself in Australia, making new friends and pursuing his dream of working as a professional baker.
But when the unexpected happened and Jorge’s life was forever changed, it was the overwhelming support of his community and his home country that pulled him through.
When the news of Jorge’s accident and his subsequent experience at PAH reached the Peruvian Embassy, Mr Valencia says he was moved to meet with Jorge and his medical team in person.
“It’s important in our culture that you feel you have a voice, and that you can call and talk to someone when you have the opportunity to do so,” said Mr Valencia.
“For me as Ambassador, it’s important that our services provide this proximity with our Peruvian fellows who live here in Australia, because one of the most important linkages we have with Australians are the person-to-person connections.”
Mr Valencia was heartened to meet with Jorge, as well as PAH Director of Nursing Amanda Vaux, A/Director Nursing Rehabilitation, Beth Garrahy and the rest of the nursing team at SIU this week.
“I am here visiting Jorge at PA Hospital because I wanted to see his recovery after being informed of his accident, and I wanted to bring him all the support that our Peruvian consular service could show him, letting him know that we are here with him,” he said.
“We are so grateful to the medical team here at PA Hospital and the kindness and care that staff have afforded Jorge.”