Our recent experience was the opposite of this when our son was in need of urgent medical attention.

From the doctors and nurses, 000 emergency switchboard, to ambulance staff, hospital administration and support staff all we got was total professionalism.

We witnessed people all doing their best to respond to our needs in a manner that was evidently more than, ‘people just doing their jobs’.

They cared, responded, allayed fears, informed and asked, all the time doing so with empathy and consideration.

Their efforts were often in trying circumstances.

We witnessed staff doing extra shifts just so patients would receive the care that they needed.

These people all helped us to feel less vulnerable and more empowered as parents of an ill child.

We thank you all and note that the above admission to Shoalhaven Hospital was not an isolated incident, as we have received the same treatment consistently over two other hospital admissions with our children.

We heard about the heroic feats of elite athletes at the Beijing Olympics and their achievements are great for both our country and our morale, but we witnessed ‘gold medal winning efforts’ from the men and women whose job it is to respond to such emergencies - the real ‘unsung’ heroes of everyday life.

The care, attention to detail and professionalism they displayed was wonderful

D. and C. McGill,

Falls Creek.