For Subhash, it all started the week before New Year’s.
He and his wife, Jayashree, were having company for lunch, and he was in charge of making pork curry — his specialty. The visit went without a hitch, but a few days later, he started feeling unwell. He had a severely upset stomach and was spending most of his time sleeping. Jayashree was getting increasingly worried as he drifted in and out of consciousness, barely coherent. It became clear that he needed to go to the hospital.
“Fortunately, my family insisted on taking me to Jo Brant, even though it wasn’t the closest option. I believe that decision saved my life,” says Subhash.
With his blood pressure dangerously low, he was quickly given a place to lie down. An IV to help restore his fluids soon followed. Lab work revealed that his white blood cell count was sky-high. His family stayed by his side, desperate for answers.
Finally, the diagnosis came: he had a bloodborne salmonella infection – likely from the pork he’d handled a few days earlier. And because he’s immunocompromised due to several underlying conditions, it hit him very hard. He was septic, and his kidneys had started shutting down.
“As a physiotherapist, I’ve worked in healthcare all my life. I’m now 83, and I’ve seen a lot over the years,” says Subhash. “And I can’t say enough about the exemplary care I received at Jo Brant – from the porters and housekeeping staff to the nurses and doctors, they all played a role in my recovery.”
While his family was relieved to have a diagnosis, sepsis is life-threatening. The quick action and monitoring of the doctors and nurses in the Emergency Department saved his life. But his excellent experience didn’t end there. He was then admitted as an inpatient, where his treatment continued.
After spending 10 days at Jo Brant, he was discharged. He was then referred to the General Internal Medicine Rapid Assessment Clinic (GIMRAC), where he received follow-up care as an outpatient.
“The full spectrum of care I received throughout my experience was first-rate. Every step of the way, and with every interaction, everyone at Jo Brant was attentive, compassionate and comforting,” recalls Subhash. “They consistently demonstrated their commitment to delivering superior patient care and ensured me and my family understood what was happening, and why.
I am so thankful to Jo Brant. The doctors, nurses and staff all went above and beyond. I received the best possible healthcare I needed to recover.”