‘The iron horse’: how The Alfred saved Robert Trickey’s life

One of the most complex and challenging journeys that the team from ICU Level 3 – where many of the most complex of cases and highest level of care is required – had ever seen, Robert was described as like “the iron horse” for his attitude towards what seemed at times a hopeless situation, further galvanising a multitude of teams at The Alfred to produce the best outcome possible. His strong will and desire to be by the side of his wife and see his grandchildren drove him on. 

Robert spent about 170 days in ICU, receiving two lung transplants within months of each other, waking from a coma with no ability to communicate for almost four months and COVID-19 restrictions keeping his loved ones from visiting – all the while his beloved wife Connie was undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. 

Leah McDonald, Clinical Nurse Manager – Surgical of Level 3 ICU, described Robert’s time as “one of our greatest success stories for the entire unit”. “Nothing would stop him. Quite often patients who are in the ICU for such a long time would lose their determination, but not once did he falter,” she said.  

It was only through a series of extraordinary events and the provision of world-class capabilities that could uniquely come together at The Alfred that Robert is in the position he is today, back home among those whom he loves the most and without the breathing difficulties that plagued him for years on end. 

Dr Jaideep Vazirani, a lung transplant physician in The Alfred’s Department of Respiratory Medicine, said that it was unlikely that the care provided to Robert at The Alfred “could happen anywhere else”. 

As staff tried to identify the source of Robert’s problems following his initial double-lung transplant, he went through a raft of tests using state-of-the-art equipment. The complex care Robert received to save his life truly was a mammoth multidisciplinary team effort, with a team of experts making the crucial decisions which can ultimately mean the difference between life and death. 

Dr Vinodh Nanjayya, Head of Cardiothoracic ICU at The Alfred, said that Robert’s rehabilitation was compromised when one lung was not receiving any air. Head of Lung Transplantation at The Alfred, Professor Greg Snell, then suggested something virtually unheard of so soon after the first transplant – to perform a second transplant, replacing Robert’s right lung with another new lung. 

“He had a very long run in the ICU,” Dr Nanjayya said. “(Robert) was lucky to get out of the ICU. It is a credit to the team at the bedside because of the excellent care he received in the ICU and also the difficult and complex decisions that the teams had to make at uncertain times during this process.” 

Adding to the challenge and emotional weight for all involved were factors beyond anyone’s control, with restrictions on visitors to the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. This meant that the vast majority of emotional support had to be provided by The Alfred staff – not only to Robert, but to Connie and their son, Jay. 

Tears flowed when Robert was able to be taken outside during a small break between lockdowns, and see his grandson who came in to visit him. After about five months lying on his back recovering, Robert finally started walking again while taking part in physiotherapy during his time in ICU. 

Leah said it was “hugely emotional for everyone” when Robert was finally able to leave. 

“We were so happy. We were elated that we got to that point, but we were sad because we were losing our friend,” she said. “But … you can’t pay for that feeling, seeing the patients wheel out the door and know that they’re going to be okay. I think anyone who works up here is very proud to say that he was a product of what we achieved.” 

You can support the lifesaving work of The Alfred this tax time before June 30. To find out more, visit www.alfredappeal.org.au