THE family of a Newcastle boy, who suffered a head injury while on holiday in South West Rocks last month, have expressed their gratitude towards those who cared for him.
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Matthew Jackson, 12, from Adamstown Heights, was at Back Creek with his family during their holiday when he noticed other children jumping off the footbridge into the water.
“He hadn’t done it before but as a 12-year-old he wanted to, so a family friend offered to do it with him. Unfortunately, as they hit the water they collided,” Matthew’s father Colin said.
“We think his head may have hit her hip bone or elbow. He came to the surface, but was face down in the water.
“We were standing on the bridge when it all happened. As a parent it was the worst thing to see.
“When we got him out of the water he was badly concussed. He had swelling, a big lump on his head and started vomiting.”
Matthew was rushed to the Rocks Fair Medical Practice where he was examined by staff before an ambulance was called. He was then taken to Port Macquarie Base Hospital for further examination.
“They thought he may have needed a scan because they said he had suffered a bad knock to the head, and for the first 12 hours he was very unresponsive,” Mr Jackson said.
“Thankfully, after monitoring him he didn’t need an MRI and was okay. He was able to be released from the hospital after a day-and-a-half.”
Mr Jackson said his son had made a full and speedy recovery from the accident.
“He’s doing well now. He actually had his first week of high school last week. He’s just been told to stay away from contact sport for about six weeks or so.”
Mr Jackson praised the local healthcare facilities, particularly the staff at the Rocks medical practice, for their professionalism and kindness.
“The care our son received was brilliant. From the nurse, doctors and reception staff at the Rocks Fair Medical Practice, the two attending paramedics from the NSW Ambulance Service, to the doctors and nurses at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital Emergency Department and Paediatric Ward,” he said.
“We often hear criticism of the NSW Health System. Long waits, inattention, and high levels of frustration are commonly reported as the norm. Our experience was anything but this. We are extremely thankful to everyone involved and believe the people of the Mid North Coast should be rightly proud of their health professionals.”
He said the ordeal served as a reminder for all parents to be mindful of the dangers associated with bridge jumping.
