Critical cardiac care inspires artist's special gift of thanks

When artist Simon Tweed was admitted to St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU), he never imagined that just two days later he would be undergoing major heart surgery, or that he would be donating a piece of his art to thank the team who gave him a new lease on life.

23 Oct 2025

L – R: Pastoral Practitioner Elly Welke, Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr Jurgen Passage, Simon Tweed, Nurse Unit Manager Claudia Spittle, Environmental Services Assistant Gareth Hudson.

Simon’s journey began in late August, when he presented to a local emergency department with severe flu symptoms. While being assessed, doctors discovered underlying heart issues and advised he needed to be transferred to a specialist CCU for further investigation. Because Simon had private health insurance, he was able to move to St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s CCU for immediate care.

Following an initial review in the CCU, Simon was taken directly to the hospital’s Catheterisation Laboratory - a highly specialised theatre where minimally invasive tests and procedures are performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease.

After his angiogram, Simon was told by his interventional cardiologist that he required an urgent triple bypass. Just two days later, under the expert care of Cardiothoracic Surgeon Associate Professor Jurgen Passage, he was in theatre for open heart surgery. A triple bypass involves surgeons creating new routes for blood to flow to the heart by grafting healthy blood vessels from other parts of the body around blocked or narrowed arteries.

A/Prof Passage said the timing of Simon’s operation was critical.

“Once Simon’s angiogram showed the extent of his blockages, it was essential that surgery happened quickly. Acting within 48 hours significantly reduced the risk of further damage and gave him the best possible chance of a strong recovery,” he said.

“We’re very fortunate at St John of God Subiaco Hospital to have such a comprehensive cardiac service, where cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery teams work closely together. This integration ensures seamless, responsive care for our patients.”

Despite the seriousness of the procedure, Simon said from the moment he arrived at the hospital, every caregiver made him feel supported.

“Everyone was just so positive and encouraging. The nurses, the physios, the doctors, even Gareth who cleaned my room every day, all made me feel genuinely cared for. Elly from Pastoral Services also taught me visualisation techniques, which gave me calmness and control,” he said.

“It was genuine care, not forced, and it really enveloped me in love and safety.”

Simon spent eight days in hospital, including four in ICU, but his positivity and resilience never wavered. He credits the incredible team, along with meditation, yoga and his family’s support for helping him recover.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Simon turned to one of his lifelong passions — art. He has created a vibrant pencil drawing of a St Lucian parrot, which he is donating to the hospital as a show of appreciation.

“I just can’t put into words how grateful I am for the entire team. This artwork is my way of saying thank you and I hope it brings joy to others who come through the hospital’s cardiac ward.”

Simon’s artwork will soon hang at St John of God Subiaco Hospital as a colourful reminder of the healing power of world-class cardiac care delivered with compassion.

Cardiac Ward Manager Claudia Spittle added that gestures like Simon’s highlight the lasting impact compassionate, person-centred care can make.

“This drawing will be a constant reminder for our team not only of the importance of excellent, safe, Values driven care, but how the smallest acts of kindness and consideration can profoundly shape a patient’s experience and recovery. Every moment truly matters.”