Carl Synnerdahl contacted the Daily Liberal from his home in Adelaide on Friday, one week after his 47-year-old daughter Donna tripped and fell 20m down the mine while walking her dog.

Ms Synnerdahl was pulled from the mine last Monday afternoon, after authorities were alerted that she was missing. She was taken to Lightning Ridge Hospital before being transferred to Dubbo Base Hospital intensive care unit (ICU) in a serious but stable condition.

Since being taken to Dubbo she has improved to the point where she is now classed as being in a satisfactory condition.

An emotional Mr Synnerdahl, who is battling cancer, said he was relieved when he arrived in Dubbo and saw how his daughter was being looked after.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in hospital myself with the cancer and other things and I was just amazed with how well they were looking after Donna,” Mr Synnerdahl said.

“They are such wonderful, caring and friendly people in the ICU at Dubbo and they are just doing a wonderful job for my daughter.

“Donna is in a pretty bad way still and I think it will be a while before she gets out of hospital but I can rest easily knowing she is in such good hands there in Dubbo.”

Mr Synnerdahl was at his daughter’s bedside for a period last week before returning to Adelaide.

He said his presence had been warmly accommodated by Greater Western Area Health Service staff.

“They were just amazing. They organised accommodation for me and also some meals and they were wonderful,” he said.

“I just want to thank them publicly because I know they have a hard job but they were welcoming and knowing that Donna was being so well looked after made it easier for me to come back here and deal with my own business.”

Mr Synnerdahl’s praise comes just weeks after Andrew Newton took over the role as general manager of Dubbo Base Hospital.

Mr Newton said he was glad to hear good news about the work being done by his staff.

“It is very encouraging to receive positive feedback from the patients and their families who use our service at Dubbo Base Hospital,” he said.

“In the four weeks that I have been in the job I have been extremely impressed with the high standard of professionalism and commitment of all staff, whether clinical or support staff, to serve the Dubbo region’s community.

“I am very grateful for the kind comments made by Mr Synnerdahl and his daughter Donna who, through extraordinary circumstances, have come to experience the great care we provide.”