Coronavirus may have put a hurdle on the track for the ‘three minutes that stop a nation’, but for one family who farewelled their Melbourne Cup-loving father last year, this day will always be special — however and wherever it is celebrated.
Narrelle Aikin will forever be grateful to the staff at Gabrielle Jennings Centre for making her father, Mercy Health Palliative Care patient Patrick (Pat) Matthey, feel cared for and special in the last days of his life.
Pat felt so comfortable and at home at Gabrielle Jennings Centre — the Mercy Health Palliative Care inpatient ward at Werribee Mercy Hospital (WMH) — he said it was not only “one of Victoria’s best-kept secrets — it’s like a five-star hotel”.
“We were allowed to stay overnight and dad and I would chat until the lights were turned out,” says Narrelle.
All spruced up for the Melbourne Cup. A special moment for daughter Narrelle with her father, Pat.
Knowing how much Pat loved his horse racing, the staff at Gabrielle Jennings Centre made a special effort before last year’s Melbourne Cup Day to make sure he could enjoy one of his favourite events of the year. “Dad’s Cup Day routine was not about to end just because he was in palliative care,” says Narrelle.
The staff decorated Pat’s room with trophies and jockey silks, the nurses donned fascinators and hats, and the staff and other palliative care patients took part in four sweeps.
“Come the big moment, we had around 11 family and friends, plus available nurses for the three minutes that stop the nation,” says Narrelle.
Narrelle and her family were so touched by their father’s joy they wrote a tribute to the ‘wonderful staff’ at Gabrielle Jennings, to shine a light on the outstanding care they provided to their father.
We will forever be grateful for the policies, procedures and philosophy at the Gabrielle Jennings Centre that enabled Dad to feel incredibly cared for and special.
WMH Gabrielle Jennings Centre Acting Nurse Unit Manager Sandra Gatt said Pat was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
“He was always thanking our staff and took the time to learn everyone’s name. He was a talker and we loved hearing his stories around his enjoyment of horses and fishing,” says Sandra.
WMH staff and friends gathered around Pat for the race that stops the nation.
“From our time with him, it was apparent his life was dedicated to his family, friends and community. Traits such as love and goodwill were always on show.”
Just four days after his very last and very special Melbourne Cup celebrations, Pat passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and the staff who cared so well for him.
Melbourne Cup Day means there is a winner. Pat passes on the ‘spoils of victory’ to WMH staff member, Irene.
“Dad’s last moments were beautiful and peaceful, both for him and our family. The staff dropped in and all commented on what a character he was and how much they had enjoyed their time with him,” says Narrelle. “Of course, their humble response will be to say that ‘it’s just a part of the job’, but we observed that it takes a particular type of person to be able to work in that department.
“We will forever be grateful for the policies, procedures and philosophy at Mercy Health’s Palliative Care Services that enabled dad to feel incredibly cared for and special.”
In memory of Patrick James Matthey (22 October 1937 – 9 November 2019).
Last reviewed October 20, 2020.