David Seath reunites with ICU staff from Townsville University Hospital who saved his life

Reuniting over morning tea with the doctors who saved his life was a ‘cathartic’ moment for 63-year-old grandfather David Seath after a deadly infection almost cost him everything. This is his story.

Doctors from Townsville University Hospital ICU Dr Siva Senthuran, Dr Perrin Buchanan, patient David Seath and Dr Joanna Longely

Coming together for a morning tea with the doctors that saved his life, 63-year-old grandfather David Seath described the reunion as ‘cathartic’, following his stay in the Townsville University Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

Waking up in the ICU, Mr Seath was unaware of how close he had come to death. He underwent three operations on his brain to treat a deadly infection that struck him down when he was travelling home to the Sunshine Coast after visiting his daughter in Cairns.

“I don’t remember much about my stay in the ICU, but I know I was really well cared for by all the medical and support staff,” Mr Seath said.

“I have no doubt that without all the medical attention and expertise, I would not have made it; the staff saved my life, and I’m so thankful for that.”

Townsville University Hospital: Picture: Evan Morgan

Mr Seath was among a group of current and former ICU patients who attended the TUH’s annual morning tea event, saying the event was a wonderful initiative for ongoing recovery and support.

“Coming back and meeting the staff has been a cathartic experience for me; it’s just a really nice opportunity to thank everyone for saving my life and for the wonderful care they provided,” he said.

“I think an event like this is a brilliant idea, as increased communication between patients and staff lends itself to overall improvement and a better experience for everyone.”

ICU staff specialist and organiser of the morning tea, Dr Joanna Longely, said she was inspired to hold the event after her own experiences of her father being in the ICU.

“When my father was in ICU, I saw everything from a different perspective, and that’s helped me as a doctor be as empathetic as I can to my patients and their families to make sure their experience is as positive as possible,” Dr Longley said.

“Events like the ICU Morning Tea are just another way we can hear from our patients and their families to find out how we’re doing and what we can do better to improve their experience.”

Dr Longley said the morning teas also provide feedback and ideas on how to improve the ICU experience, with Brighter Lives volunteers coming into the ICU to spend time with patients and their families and introducing visits from a therapy dog.

“We have also introduced ICU diaries, and we’re bringing in things like magazines, puzzles, fidget toys and stress balls to keep our patients engaged,” she said.

“We’re looking at the possibility of introducing follow-up appointments between ICU staff and patients after they go home, which will allow us to answer any questions they might have and provide the support they need to return to their regular lives.”

Originally published as David Seath reunites with ICU staff from Townsville University Hospital who saved his life