01/04/2026
Meet Robyn, a true sweetheart, but nobody's pushover. Robyn is on the ward recovering from her hip replacement and spared a few minutes to chat.
Couldn't speak highly enough of our Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Tim Matthews, and said he came highly recommended by her niece- a nurse, who says his patients seem to always have great recoveries.
Robyn is a Ballina local and has been at St Vincent's for different reasons over the decades and thinks the place is 'lovely since it's been renovated'. She has always had a wonderful experience and thinks the world of nurses everywhere. Having worked as Assistant in Nursing in Dementia Care, she urges young nurses to gain life experience so they are equipped to empathise with all types of people.
On top of that, Robyn also has a soft spot for the catering. 'the deserts are to die for. I don't eat desert normally, I try not to, but [in here] I've been having it for lunch and dinner!' Oops!
Over the years, Robyn has dealt with personal challenges and made some hard choices that have ultimately led to being free and in control. Very lucky to be living on the beachfront, walking every day, and full of vibrance as she moves into her early eighties. "I choose to be happy" she said.
On her stay here -
'All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you, it's really been lovely. They are so caring, so many of them (nurses). You feel as though they want the best for you'.
With the sun filtering in through her wardroom window she looked healthy and relaxed as she told me she'd just done her first lap around the corridor since the procedure and barely had any pain. Remarkable for 4 days post op.
All the best with the recovery Robyn, see you walking the beach in Ballina!
