234 Court - Part 3

Friday, continued …

[translator question] "Regarding your practical experience in orthopedics, can you provide more information?"

"During my time, I was one of a team of nurses that assisted the specialist I worked for in coordinating and working with pre-operative and post-operative patients, coordinating support services for recovery for patients that required surgery and those that did not, removing stitches and performing minor procedures where required, and assisting in surgery."

"My employer encouraged me to undertake the post graduate qualifications, and during the course of my time he ensured that you were able to review appropriate scans and tests to make preliminary recommendations to him for treatment.No patients treatment was immediately authorised until it was reviewed by the specialist, however very few of my recommendations were ever not followed." [response is then translated]

[translated question] "Since you have been here in country X, what role have you had with your sister-in-law's treatment?"

"When I arrived last week, I visited my sister in hospital and immediately started questioning what was happening. I trust doctors, but my training has never let me simply accept something as given.I have been taught to review tests, and speak up if I disagree, as sometimes questioning leads to better treatment for a patient."

"I found the nursing staff refused to question any doctors, however the doctor who was coordinating my sister's treatment undertook his training in Australia so understood how I was trained.When I reviewed the initial tests, there were some minor questions, but I made it clear that their time-frame for getting my sister on her feet and out of hospital was unacceptable."

"If they had their way, my sister would still be in a hospital bed, not discharged, and currently able to move small distances with the aid of crutches.While she has been in hospital, within reason I have provided her nursing care.I have also assisted in working out further assessment and treatment protocols for her future treatment, both until and after the removal of her cast." [response is then translated]

The presiding official turned to both lawyers, "Based on what Ms Jones has said, can the Australian Embassy Official who I understand is in court, please identify yourself"

A man stood up, who was sitting in the back of the court."Sir I am from the Australia Embassy, having traveled here given two of our citizens, Mr Lu and Madam Hou who entered this country under the name Anna Jones are involved.I have for you a letter from the ambassador confirming my details."With that he walked towards the front of the court and handed over the letter to one of the court officials.

"All seems in order.Can you explain to me what a nurse practitioner is?"

"Sir, initially my knowledge was limited to understanding that they are qualified and registered nurses that have, in certain circumstances the rights to prescribe medication to people under our laws.Further they have to not only have complete a bachelor's degree in nursing but a postgraduate specialist nursing masters degree.They also must be a registered nurse by the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Agency.If I can obtain Mrs Jones details, I can go and make a call, and confirm that she is a nurse practitioner, which will confirm her education and that she is a registered nurse."

"That sounds quite appropriate, and would settle any doubt about about Mrs Jones' qualifications and ability to provide information to the court."

"I should be about ten minutes Sir, once I had that information."

With that he walked over to Rosemary and obtained all her information, to make the relevant check as he agreed to so.

Alister Nang stood up and said "Sir, while we are awaiting the answer from the Australian Embassy Official, I believe there is a question that could be asked, in about explaining why Madam Hou is in a wheelchair despite her discharge from the hospital."

"That is actually reasonable, as it prevents us getting delayed in this matter too much."

[translater question] "Ms Jones can you explain the reason your sister-in-law is currently in a wheelchair?"

"Sir my sister suffered a serious concussion from her head being repeatedly pushed into a wall.While she has been in hospital she has been monitored and slowly moved from being solely bed ridden to being out of bed.The move onto crutches is a slow process, and she will be monitored to ensure no problems.Today she is to spend no more than 30 minutes on crutches."

"This increases by 10 minutes per day, until a review appointment on Wednesday when further tests will be done.A decision will be made then as to the next increases, and this process will continue.Currently she has spent a 15 minute block on her crutches today, and she will spend another 15 minute block later in the day.Given the media outside and the unevenness of the ground, it would be risking further injury to my sister if she attempted to come in on crutches at this point in time." [response is translater]