Dear Patients and Friends,
This is my first time reaching out since my family and I were involved in a serious car accident in July 2021. Many of you are already aware of the details. Unfortunately, the accident has had lasting emotional and physical effects on myself and my family.
Through these challenges, we have been so grateful for our incredible team at our Practices and we remain committed to providing high-quality dental care in a warm and welcoming environment. It is hard to believe that over three years have passed, and I want to sincerely thank everyone for your kindness, your messages, cards, well wishes, and visits—both from overseas and locally—have meant the world to us.
A special thank you goes to my wife, Carolyn, who has done an extraordinary job managing the practice and navigating the complexities left in the wake of my sudden departure. While I had hoped to return in a managerial role by now, ongoing setbacks have unfortunately delayed this.
I have received immense happiness when I see patient/friends either in the clinic or out and about. I have seen many in the streets of Norwood, at the football, at social events, and even at rehab gymnasium, corridors of the RAH, cafes and restaurants.
To give you a quick summation of my journey:
Three weeks in ICU Cairns
Five weeks in ICU in Royal Adelaide Hospital
Eight weeks in the specialised spinal unit in the Royal Adelaide Hospital
12 months in rehabilitation at Hampstead/Repat Hospital
Home then back to Royal Adelaide for another month over Christmas/New Year as I battled aspirational pneumonia.
During this time life has gone on!
Our eldest daughter Erasmia has completed her Speech Pathology Degree at Adelaide University and is now enjoying life as a full-time employee.
Jacinda, our middle daughter, is in her final year of a Musical Theatre Degree as part of the Elder Conservatorium at Adelaide University.
Our youngest daughter Amalia has just completed her year 12 studies, deferring her OT offer and is on her way to Camp America this year.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Adelaide is its close-knit community. Every time I step out, I inevitably run into familiar faces—many of whom started as patients and have become friends over the past 35 years. I look forward to seeing more of you, both in the clinic and socially.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to those who have continued to support the practice. I was fortunate to receive clinical care from one of my own patients and pastoral care from another—an experience for which I am truly grateful.
While I have been away, we have implemented changes in the clinic. Dr Declan Candy has helped us for over two years, filling a gap while we worked on new directions of the Practice. His skills and seamless transition was very much appreciated. We also welcomed Lucy, our new Dental assistant whose enthusiasm and energy have been a fantastic addition to our team. Recently we have welcomed Rose, our new hygienist who comes to us with over 10 years’ experience and her warm caring manner.
Our highly valued, long-standing (some would say long-suffering) staff members, Anne, Dianne, Kanjana, Tina, Marcy, Daniel, April and of course Andrew— have celebrated milestones including engagements, marriages and new babies! I’m sure many of you have heard about these directly. I extend my sincere thanks and my deepest gratitude to them for their dedication in keeping the practice running smoothly in such uncertain times. They too rode the daily emotional rollercoaster waiting for news, sharing news and always hoping for better news. On behalf of my family and I, we give them our greatest thanks.
With this newsletter, we are also excited to announce the launch of our new website. We now offer the convenience of online appointment booking. I look forward to reconnecting with more of you, whether at the clinic or around Adelaide.
Warmest regards,
Lukas…and my offsider Carolyn