Roslyn's care now close to home

After developing a serious issue with her small intestine in 2025, Roslyn was hospitalised. What followed was a medical journey that included five operations, nearly six months in hospital, and the loss of much of her small intestine.

Today, Roslyn relies on Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN), a specialised treatment that delivers essential nutrients directly into her bloodstream, giving her body what it can no longer absorb through food alone.

While she is once again able to enjoy many of the foods she loves, her body cannot absorb enough nutrients through eating alone.

For five nights of each week, she connects to her nutrition pump for around 12 hours while she sleeps, allowing her to spend her days doing the things that matter most.

"It gives me my freedom," she said.

"I can go to town, visit family, spend time with the grandkids, and then I just hook up at night and do my feed while I'm asleep."

Since returning home in February, Roslyn has adapted remarkably well to life on HPN. With training and support from clinicians, she manages her own treatment and supplies confidently.

At first, the idea of going home on HPN was daunting.

"I knew I'd be right while I was in hospital, but when it came time to go home, I wondered if I'd really be able to do it," she said.

"But by the time I left, I was ready. I graduated."

While the treatment has allowed Roslyn to return home and regain her independence, specialist support has until now been provided by a team at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, largely via telephone consultations.

The introduction of a dedicated Home Parenteral Nutrition service at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital means patients like Roslyn can now access expert care much closer to home.

For someone living in a small rural community, that makes a significant difference.

"Just knowing there's someone closer makes all the difference," Roslyn said.

"I can always ring my Sydney team, but they're on the phone. Now I know there's a team in Wagga if I need them.

"That will make a difference for all regional patients, both now and into the future."

Roslyn believes the new service will give regional patients greater confidence and peace of mind, knowing specialised support is available locally.

"People in the regions shouldn't have to worry about travelling long distances for this sort of care if they don't have to," she said.

Throughout her recovery, Roslyn credits the healthcare professionals who cared for her across the Murrumbidgee and Sydney with helping her through some of the most challenging months of her life.

"There aren't enough words to say how grateful I am for what everybody has done for me," she said.

"They're not staff anymore, they're family."

Now, as she continues her recovery, Roslyn's focus is on enjoying time with her family, including 11 grandchildren.

Some days are still harder than others, but she is grateful for the chance to be at home, surrounded by the people she loves.

"I'm living and I'm here today because of it."