And so it was that Tom made the journey 60kms closer to Harare to his new temporary home, Muelmed Medi-Clinic (Meulmed on my GPS!).

It was a long day due to a relatively late pickup by the cheerful and professional Netcare ambulance guys (1.45pm), but a day without hitches, and Tom is safely ensconced in ICU-C.

Leaving the Milpark OR Tambo Trauma Unit

Leaving the Milpark OR Tambo Trauma Unit

A morning of normal routines at Milpark as James packed up his things. Breakfast, and physio as usual. Except a steady stream of hospital personnel passed by the bedside to say good-bye and wish him well. Some promised to visit him in Pretoria, and it was clear that these were not empty attempts at sentiment – I fully expect to see them there!

It was like when I was a smoker and I’d survive an 16 hour flight no problem. But as soon as the plane touched down and I could see the terminal, impatience won out and the minutes stretched unbearably slowly. So it was as we waited around at the appointed time for Tom’s chariot to the Capital.

Transferred to the stretcher Tom was all smiles and the ambulance team seemed very keen to make the transfer as comfortable and careful as possible. I think they put Tom at ease. He was all smiles as they loaded the ambulance.

Moving on out...

Moving on out...

It needs to be said that Muelmed would not scoop the architectural awards in any decade, and the area (Arcadia) is probably best driven through on the way to Loftus, but I got a good feeling from the staff and the setup inside.

As I mentioned last week, Tom was admitted to ICU due to his continued (wall C-pap) ventilation and in order to monitor any stress from the journey. The ICU-C ward is only about 6 beds big, and each is partitioned from the next to allow more space and a little more privacy, without losing the proximity to nursing staff that is so important in his condition.

As opposed to Milpark Trauma, he does not have a dedicated nurse by his bedside, though he is the first bed away from the nursing station, and being an ICU they certainly seem equipped for the necessary vigilance and attention he needs right now.

Unpacked and with his TV and laptop set up (when his voice recovers some strength he’ll start being able to use his PC with voice commands), Tom was waiting when I left this evening for the Muelmed doctors’ visit. The multi-disciplinary rehab team will see him in the morning for a full assessment.

He is yearning to get some active rehab going. It will start slow, no doubt, but its wonderful that he’s in a place where this will be part of a specialised programme.

At this point I’m sure I’m not out of turn when I say a big thank you not only to Tom’s doctors at Milpark (who we have thanked personally already), but to his nursing staff, many of whom were wonderully supportive and informative as Tom and those around him tried to figure out what all the medical jargon meant.

The Milpark physio team (I only know Moira and Mae but Tom knows and appreciates you all) were fantastic – and always seemed so motivationally positive as they moved about the ward tending to their patients.

For as long as Tom is in the ICU ward, visiting hours are fairly stringent. I’m told they wont be too strict with them, but please be mindful of the regulations where possible. I know that Tom is looking forward to seeing those of you who can get out there to see him.

They are 30 minute sessions, at 11h15, 15h15 and 19h15. As with Milpark, a limit of two people by his bedside at a time.

Today’s journey was 60kms, but Tom has travelled an incredible distance to get to where he is today.