Healthcare hero supports young patient through life changing accident
09 January 2023
4
min read
When a bike accident left nine-year-old Rowan without vision, his family needed a skilled medical practitioner they could lean on inside the walls of the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane.
From the first day of Rowan’s admission, Clinical Nurse Consultant Jason Hoy became his trusted support.
Jason has seen hundreds of patients and parents during his 19 years in the field but supporting Rowan and his family is an experience he holds close to his heart.
They are a family I’ll never forget. They taught me so much and I feel privileged to be a part of their journey,” Jason said.
Rowan’s family nominated Jason to be the latest recipient of the Juiced TV Super Hero Awards. The awards program was developed by Juiced TV and QSuper, now part of Australian Retirement Trust, to celebrate medical and support staff.
Australian Retirement Trust was created through the merger of QSuper and Sunsuper to become one of Australia’s largest super funds taking care of over $200 billion in retirement savings for more than two million members.
Inspired by youngster’s positive mindset
“To be honest, I was a bit shocked when I found out that I was Rowan’s hero. I am one part of a larger team, but to know I have made an impact on his life is something I will always treasure,” Jason said.
“Rowan is such a positive and happy child. It might sound cliché but watching him and being around his positivity, in light of his situation has inspired me, he is always the one cracking jokes to make our days better.”
Working within the neurosurgery and plastics ward of the hospital, Jason supports parents to schedule appointments and communicates complex medical information in easy-to-understand terms.
Focussed on easing family’s stress
Rowan’s parents said Jason encouraged them to contact him any time they had questions or concerns and he would often check on Rowan to make sure everything was going well after each surgery.
“Having my own kids, and a boy around Rowan’s age, I feel the concern of the parents I see day in and day out and want to make sure that I am doing everything in my power to alleviate their stress,” Jason said.
“I am incredibly grateful for their nomination and want to thank QSuper and Australian Retirement Trust for making this possible.”
Rowan continues to visit the hospital every six months for check-ups with the neurology and ophthalmology department, as he works towards a positive health outcome.