n the world of surgery, a secret garden thrives behind the scenes. The gardeners keeping everything blooming beautifully are none other than our exceptional wound care sisters: Sr Beryl Mouton, Sr Louise Goslett, Sr Role Sills, and Sr Terry McQueen.
These four incredible sisters are not just a team; they’re the backbone of what I do. Like any good garden, the foundation matters. And for me, that foundation is their dedication, expertise, and the compassion they bring to every post-surgical wound. Without them, my “surgical blooms” wouldn’t stand a chance of growing strong and healthy.
The operating room is often where most people imagine the real work happens—the surgeon’s hands carefully making incisions, the anaesthetist ensuring everything runs smoothly, and the instruments performing their delicate tasks with precision. However, an entire world exists beyond that brief time on the surgical table. A world where healing begins in earnest, wounds mend, and proper recovery is nurtured. This critical stage is expertly guided by the unsung heroes of our practice: the wound care sisters.
Now, think of surgery as planting a seed. The operation is placing that seed into the soil, which is full of potential but vulnerable. The post-surgical period, where wounds need to heal and strengthen, is when that seed grows into something substantial or withers under external pressures. And just as any gardener will tell you, a seedling requires attention, care, and the right environment to thrive. My wound care sisters are the master gardeners of the medical world. Their role is not just a job but a careful, mindful practice that ensures each wound they tend has the best possible chance to heal fully and without complications.
Wound care is a science as much as it is an art. At the most basic level, wounds must be cleaned, dressed, and monitored for signs of infection or complications. But there’s much more to it than just that. Each wound is different, just as each patient is different, and the wound care sisters are like horticulturists, expertly reading the “soil” of each patient’s wound environment. They evaluate the wound, determining factors such as moisture levels, infection risk, and how well the surrounding tissue is healing. Based on these assessments, they select the appropriate dressings, treatments, and care protocols.
Imagine a gardener deciding how much water, sunlight, and fertilizer a plant needs. Too much of one thing and the plant might drown or scorch; too little and it could wither and die. Wound care is no different. Too much moisture in a wound dressing can lead to maceration, where the skin becomes over-saturated and fragile, leading to further damage. Too little moisture may cause the wound to dry out, slowing the healing process and making it more prone to infection. The wound care sisters strike this delicate balance, ensuring that every wound they tend to has the perfect conditions to thrive.
One of the most crucial elements of wound care is infection control. Post-surgical wounds are especially susceptible to infection, and any complication at this stage can severely hinder the healing process or, worse, lead to life-threatening conditions. The wound care sisters act as gatekeepers, meticulously cleaning and dressing wounds to prevent bacteria from taking hold.
And then there’s the ongoing monitoring—just as a gardener would check on their plants regularly, adjusting care depending on how they’re growing, the wound care sisters track the progress of each patient’s healing. They know when a wound needs to be left alone to heal and when it needs more active intervention. They are adept at identifying subtle changes that could indicate trouble ahead. This constant attention allows them to adapt and respond quickly, giving patients the best chance to fully recover.
But wound care isn’t just about physical healing. It’s also about emotional support and reassurance. For many patients, the post-surgical period can be a time of anxiety. There’s a fear of the unknown—Will the wound heal properly? Will there be complications? Is everything progressing as it should? The wound care sisters provide a comforting presence. Their empathy and kindness help ease patients’ concerns, making them feel cared for and understood during a vulnerable time.
Sr Beryl Mouton, Sr Louise Goslett, Sr Role Sills, and Sr Terry McQueen are not just experts in their field but compassionate professionals who approach each patient with the same level of care and attention they would give to their family members. Their work is often behind the scenes, but its impact is visible in every patient who walks out of my practice, healed, whole, and ready to take on the world.
These sisters bring an incredible depth of knowledge to their roles. They understand the intricacies of wound healing at a cellular level and apply this knowledge in practical, hands-on ways every day. Whether it’s managing complex dressings, coordinating with other medical team members, or providing patients with the education they need to care for their wounds at home, the wound care sisters are a vital link in the chain of recovery. Without them, the seeds of surgery would struggle to grow into the solid and healthy results we aim for in every patient.
Their work often involves using cutting-edge technologies and techniques in wound care. From negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to advanced bioengineered dressings, the wound care sisters are always at the forefront of innovation, ensuring my patients receive the best possible care. Yet, despite the advanced tools at their disposal, the heart of what they do is simple, human care. They are there to guide, support, and nurture.
So, thank you to Sr Beryl, Sr Louise, Sr Role, and Sr Terry for keeping our garden in full bloom. Your work may not always be seen by all, but its beauty shines through in every patient you touch.
The role of these wound care sisters in post-surgical recovery cannot be overstated. They are the guardians of healing, ensuring that each wound, like a tender seedling, is given the chance to grow and flourish. Their work is meticulous, thoughtful, and deeply compassionate. Without them, the journey from surgery to full recovery would be much more challenging for my patients.
So the next time you see a beautiful, thriving garden, take a moment to think of the hands that made it possible—and remember that the same care is being applied to every wound that these remarkable sisters tend.
