11 Apr Sheldene’s Thoughts

Dear Patients, Colleagues, Clients of Somerset Surgery and MASC Laser Clinic,

As some of you may be aware, at about 7pm on the evening of Monday the 28th of March, Dr Jonathan Toogood was injured in a motorcycle accident when a car pulled out into the road, making it impossible to avoid a collision. As the sole casualty, Jonathan sustained a broken knee, a broken ankle, broken ribs and a fractured pelvis.

Despite the severity of these injuries, fate intervened in miraculous ways. Jonathan remained lucid in the immediate aftermath of the collision – an excellent sign, as thorough examinations later revealed that he had been completely spared any head or spinal injuries – or indeed any nerve injury. Furthermore, his hands were completely unscathed. For this, we are tremendously thankful.

Nonetheless, since Friday the 31st of March, Jonathan has already undergone extensive surgery at Vincent Pallotti Hospital, with more procedures to follow on Tuesday 11th of April. So far, his medical team is extremely pleased with his progress. Jonathan himself is in good spirits and is already using this “forced downtime” to pause and reflect.

Because our immediate focus over the past ten days has been on Jonathan’s wellbeing, we are deeply grateful to have been able to refer those patients whose procedures require immediate attention, to trusted fellow surgeons and colleagues. In Jonathan’s absence, we know they are in excellent hands.

To our patients who were scheduled for imminent surgery, and who have elected to delay their procedures until Jonathan’s recovery is complete, we deeply appreciate your understanding at this uncertain time. In the coming days, we will have a clearer timeline, and will then be better placed to reschedule procedures and manage expectations. Please rest assured you will be updated accordingly on an individual basis. General updates will be made via our newsletter platform on a two-weekly basis. http://eepurl.com/hDj5J5

 

I would like to reassure you that MASC Laser Clinic and Somerset Surgery Day Hospital are still open and functioning at full capacity. It is a testament to Jonathan’s leadership and forethought that his staff are ready and able to continue “business as usual” even in his temporary absence.

To the many patients, friends and colleagues who have sent messages of support, we offer our sincere and heartfelt thanks. Your prayers have been a source of constant strength, as have the many gestures of kindness shown to our family and his team at Somerset Surgery. We have been completely overwhelmed by the many generous gifts and flowers already received. We respectfully request that a donation to the Look Good Feel Better Foundation https://www.lgfb.co.za/ in lieu of any further flowers would be deeply appreciated.

Throughout his 17 years as a surgeon, Jonathan’s patients have always been his number one priority. Despite his recent circumstances, this remains unchanged. Jonathan is committed to making a full recovery and is looking forward to his return.

With heartfelt thanks,

Sheldene Toogood

Somerset Surgery & MASC Laser Clinic