‘They’re angels’

By Nicole Williams
AFTER coming close to death, Dandenong identity John Filmer wants to thank the hospital staff who saved his life.
Mr Filmer, City of Greater Dandenong Citizen of the Year 2010, has been actively involved in the Greater Dandenong community for more than 40 years, having worked as a town planner, councillor and is now the aged care and welfare co-ordinator for the Dandenong Cranbourne RSL.
“I think they deserve a big thankyou,” he said.
“They literally saved my life.”
Mr Filmer usually dedicates his days to other people’s welfare but in April he was struck down by double pneumonia.
His wife Pat said he got to experience the other side of the coin during a five week stay in the Magnolia ward at the South Eastern Private Hospital.
“He’s been on the other side of the coin this time,” she said.
“Usually he’s looking after other people but this time he got something back.”
Mr Filmer said he had visited the ward many times in his role as welfare co-ordinator, so he knew the staff were something special.
“I’ve just seen first-hand all the love and care they give everyone,” he said.
“And it has been another good experience for five weeks.”
He was discharged last week, which was when his wife spilled the beans about how close he came.
“John will be here forever, but I did have my doubts that day,” Mrs Filmer said.
She can recall that scary day which nearly claimed her husband’s life.
“I can’t tell you how many nurses came in and they were hooking him up to everything. It was a hub of activity,” she said.
“By the afternoon he was lying there comfortably and he just looked at me and said ‘I’m glad you saw this so now you know how they look after me’.”
“I knew nothing about it of course,” Mr Filmer said.
“Not one of the staff said anything about it.”
He said the love and care given by the staff was marvellous and he now wants to give recognition to those who deserved it.
Mr and Mrs Filmer wanted to thank specialist Dr Henry Januszewicz and all the nurses and staff in the Magnolia ward at the South Eastern Private Hospital.
“It would be too hard to single one or a couple of them out,” Mrs Filmer said.
“They’re all angels.”
But a bout of double pneumonia will not hold Mr Filmer back – once he is fully recovered he will be back to his old tricks.
“I can continue to do what I love doing now, so for me it’s a big payday!”