Medical student reunites with ICU team two years after devastating car accident

Melanie, who is from the small town of Uralla in New South Wales, was just 19 when she was involved in a crash near Shepparton while driving to Melbourne after visiting an old school friend.  

She fractured almost every bone in both legs and feet, as well as seven ribs and her sternum. With two collapsed lungs, Melanie was left in a coma, while her hand was also badly injured when it struck the dashboard of her car.  

Earlier this month, Melanie returned to the RMH with her parents, Russ and Teresa, brother Laurie and partner Tim to catch up and thank some of the nurses, doctors and paramedics who treated her.  

“I just wanted to share a huge thank you to everyone involved in taking care of me,” Melanie says.  

“It’s really exciting to be back and say that in person.” 

It’s been a long journey towards recovery for Melanie, with several subsequent surgeries and time using both a wheelchair and crutches. During her visit, she was able to walk through the hospital without either.  

“I’ve healed a lot since I left the RMH,” Melanie says.  

“People weren’t expecting me to walk ever again, let alone do it unassisted.”  

Dr James Anstey, Deputy Director of ICU at the RMH and one of Melanie's treating doctors during her stay, said it was incredibly special to see Melanie return to the hospital two years after her crash. 

“It was great to welcome Melanie and her family back to meet with us in the ICU after all this time,” he says. 

“We don’t always get to see the progress our patients make in the months and years after their time with us, so it is really encouraging and rewarding to see how well she has recovered.” 

Since leaving the RMH, Melanie has continued pursuing her dream of becoming a pathologist, building on the determination that helped her through one of the most challenging periods of her life. 

“I’ll be back when the next semester starts,” Melanie says.  

For the RMH team, welcoming Melanie back through the doors was a chance to celebrate an incredible recovery and see the young woman who once needed their care now looking towards her future.