Dr Astrid looks after patients with infections who require hospitalisation at St John of God Subiaco Hospital.
Hospital Consultations
People may develop infections as a result of surgery, such as after knee replacements, wound infections after gall bladder surgery, hysterectomy, cancer surgery, or open heart surgery. In many of these situations, it is important that the correct antibiotic is prescribed. Dr Astrid is often asked to see patients in these situations.
Referral for hospital consultations are made by other doctors contacting Dr Astrid directly and most patients are seen within 24 hours.
Home Intravenous (IV) Antibiotics
Sometimes longer courses of antibiotics are required to cure serious infections and this involves a specialised course of treatment. The intravenous (IV) antibiotics are carefully chosen for each individual’s needs. They are administered via an IV line or PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) in the arm. Careful monitoring is required to ensure the treatment is effective, there are no side effects and no interactions with other medications. When this treatment is required, Dr Astrid works closely with other specialists and general practitioners to ensure everyone is updated on progress.
Once discharged from hospital, nurses attend daily to administer infusions of antibiotics and to check on pulse rate and blood pressure. There is a need for weekly blood tests and clinic reviews in Dr Astrid’s rooms to ensure the treatment progresses as planned. After a period of approximately 4-6 weeks the IV antibiotic infusions stop and a course of oral antibiotics follows.