Former NICU patient returns to Monash Children’s Hospital for work experience
Sixteen years after spending more than a year in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Monash Children’s Hospital, Tobey Mitchell returned to the hospital — this time for work experience alongside the doctors and nurses who helped save his life.
For Tobey and his family, Monash Children’s Hospital has always been more than a hospital.
‘I’m really grateful for what they’ve done for me, and being back is just amazing,’ Tobey told 9News.
Tobey was on oxygen and tube-fed until the age of three.
His mum, Tatum Mitchell, said his health journey has shaped the young person he is today.
‘He is our little fighter. He is a miracle, and we’ve seen him take that resilience and that attitude through school and challenge himself,’ Tatum said.
Earlier this year, Tobey faced another significant health challenge after suffering a stroke and receiving care at Monash Children’s Hospital. His recovery has been swift, allowing him to accept a work experience invitation from Professor Atul Malhotra, who was part of the team that cared for Tobey as a newborn.
‘To get him back to do work experience with us in this setting, in which we looked after him for a long time, was really, I think, very overwhelming for everyone,’ said Professor Malhotra, neonatologist and Head of the Early Neurodevelopment Clinic at Monash Children’s Hospital.
For Neonatal ICU Nurse Manager Clare Hellyer, Tobey’s return was also a beautiful moment.
‘I was at the very start of my career, and Tobey was one of my very first sick babies to look after,’ Clare said.
‘He certainly taught me a lot, but I’ve been able to see him grow into the beautiful boy that he is today.’
Returning to NICU with purpose
During his work experience, Tobey accompanied staff on the unit and learned more about the care provided to some of Monash Children’s Hospital’s smallest and most vulnerable patients.
He also shared his life story with Monash Health staff in a heartfelt presentation.
‘To all the doctors and nurses, you are amazing. And I wouldn’t have recovered the way I did without you,’ Tobey said.
The placement has strengthened Tobey’s interest in a future career helping others.
‘It would be an unbelievable experience to save little babies, save lives, or what Dr Atul pretty much did for me — saved my life — and I just want to give back,’ he said.
For parents Tatum and Paul Mitchell, seeing Tobey return to the NICU in an official capacity was a special moment.
‘To have Tobey walk side by side with [Atul] in the halls and see what he does day to day — that’s what he did so that Tobey could have his life. I think it’s really inspired him,’ said Tobey’s mum, Tatum.
Tobey’s dad, Paul, said his son’s desire to give back was a testament to the care he received.
‘I love that Tobey wants to be here, and he wants to give back because the nurses get to see all their hard work that they do, and who he’s become is a testament to them,’ said Paul.
Giving-back
The Mitchell family have become much-loved members of the Monash Health Foundation community, following their deeply personal connection to Monash Children’s Hospital.
Each Christmas, Tobey and his younger sister Alexandra visit the NICU to gift Mr Brave and Little Miss Brave books to families facing difficult moments, offering comfort and hope. Parents Tatum and Paul have also dedicated their time to fundraising and volunteering, helping raise funds for sick children.
Through their generosity, compassion and community spirit, the Mitchell family continues to bring hope to families walking a similar path.
