HUMANS OF THE HOSPITAL: Meera Patel

“We had parents come in to our low sensory COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Blacktown Hospital with autistic children and the parents would be crying saying ‘you did it!’ after we vaccinated their children. It’s an honour. Seeing that in real life made me appreciate everything around me and our patient services even more.

We were the first in WSLHD to have the low sensory clinic where we targeted intellectually and physically disabled clients. We won the district’s Quality Award for that category and this was a big moment for us. We engaged with the clients to make vaccination as comfortable and as quick as possible in a safe and convenient environment. We provided a lot of services for people who had a disability and had increased needs to access the clinic, such as people who were wheelchair bound.

The journey was incredible. I met people I never thought I’d get to meet – people who came out of retirement to help vaccinate. It was an emotional journey as well because we were scared, we were tired, but I can’t tell you how satisfied I am, and how happy and ready I am to go back to my substantive role. I am thankful for the opportunity that was given to me. It was a very unique experience.”

– Meera Rajendra Icant Patel, WSLHD COVID-19 Vaccination Program Lead and NUM of B44 ward at Blacktown Hospital.

‘Humans of the Hospital’ is dedicated to the inspiring humans working at Westmead, Blacktown, Mount Druitt Auburn and Cumberland hospitals in western Sydney.