Big-hearted healthcare hero impacting youngster’s life
12 October 2022
5
min read
One paediatric healthcare worker’s simple acts of kindness have made a profound impact on the life of nine-year-old Kye, and the lives of other young patients at Mackay Base Hospital.
Kye has been a regular patient at the hospital since he was diagnosed several years ago with primary ciliary dyskinesia, a rare condition that can lead to inflammation in the airways and infections in the lungs, nose, sinuses and ears. Managing Kai’s condition requires fortnightly trips to the hospital and it means he’s regularly isolated from his friends.
The hospital can be a very scary place for children. But it was at Mackay Base Hospital that Kye and his family met healthcare worker Summit Krishan Shrestha, who through countless small acts of kindness, has done everything in his power to make Kye and the other children feel more at home.
Kye and his family wanted to express their gratitude for Summit’s years of care and compassion by nominating him for a Juiced TV Super Hero Award, sponsored by QSuper, part of Australian Retirement Trust.
The Super Hero Awards Program shines a light on medical and support staff – the doctors, nurses, volunteers and others – who selflessly dedicate themselves to the wellbeing of others.
Working in partnership, the QSuper team and Juiced TV have helped recognise many incredible practitioners through the program and we feel privileged to be able to recognise the unsung heroes within the healthcare industry.
Children’s ward favourite
“Every parent I speak with thinks that Summit is by far their child’s favourite, and I think that speaks volumes of the person he is,” said Kye’s mother Candice.
“No matter how busy he is, Summit will visit Kye to put a smile on his face and talk to him about his day. Summit has even set up video games for Kye, and he always makes an effort to talk to him about it and get involved.”
Summit right where he needs to be
When choosing his healthcare profession in university, Summit never expected he’d be working in paediatric care, where he’s now considered a fixture of the children’s ward.
In Summit’s role he is responsible for everything from administering medicine and assessing patient needs through to supporting doctors in diagnosis and treatment.
I’m a big child at heart – I love befriending my patients and building a strong rapport of trust with them,” Summit said.
“Since day one, I’ve received so much support and been welcomed with open arms in Mackay – it’s like my second home now.
“I realised that I am passionate about helping kids. I know I am exactly where I need to be. This award has given me perspective on how small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in a person’s life.”
All in a day’s work
While Summit insists that it is all in a day’s work, his can-do attitude and desire to go above and beyond has been nurtured in Mackay Base Hospital, proving the joy of working in regional areas.
“He’s just so caring, compassionate, and comforting. He goes above and beyond every day. If we didn’t nominate him, it would have been only a matter of time before someone else did,” Candice said.