Laura shares tough patient journey as NHS Grampian reaffirms commitment to person-centred care
Published: 08/11/2023 11:19NHS Grampian recognises the crucial role friends, families and carers can have in a person’s recovery while they are in hospital. New visiting guides aim to help everyone understand what’s what in a post-pandemic healthcare world where services continue to be extremely busy.
Having been in hospital since February, Laura, whose name we have changed to protect her identity, understands more than most the importance of being able to have family around when you’re going through one of the toughest times of your life. Treatment for a tumour in her pelvis led to the amputation of her right leg and part of her pelvis, and she has battled infections which left her fighting for her life.
Laura explained: “I was really unwell and spent time in intensive care while I was at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI). Once I got to the high dependency unit my mum slept in my room and as my condition has improved, knowing I have my husband, mum and dad, sister, niece and nephew there has given me the motivation to keep going. They are my anchors.
“Sometimes when you don’t feel much like eating and people around you are enjoying something it can spur you on. Watching stuff with my mum on the laptop in the evenings helped me to feel normal. It’s great the staff are so welcoming and that you can welcome visitors when you’re up to it, as long as it’s safe and respectful of others.”
Laura is now in the orthopaedic rehab unit at Woodend Hospital, where she says staff have become like extended family. She said: “I have met so many good people. You could be having the worst day ever and there’s a healthcare support worker to reassure you. The nurses are great; they’ve stepped up care when I’ve needed it with infections and when things are going well they’ve given me the space to feel like I’m not in hospital. The cleaners and domestic staff are the ones who’ll stop and chat with my mum, asking how I’m doing. Everybody really seems to care.
“The physios and occupational therapists are amazing too, and even the ambulance drivers are great. It’s clear everybody is just trying to do their best. My consultant surgeon and oncologist are always encouraging me and helping me succeed too. It’s clear they really want the best for their patients and we’ve got to protect the NHS.”
Sheila Bridges Marshall is the senior charge nurses on Laura’s ward at Woodend. She commented: “One of the things that is really important to us is patient choice and we are very open and honest with families about support, explaining what the patient wants and if it’s getting too much. Contact with friends and family can promote patients’ rehabilitation. It gives them strength and if they are finding it hard to communicate then the person they’ve got with them can help.
“Laura is a truly inspirational young woman and I think she’ll go on to do great things. That’s the best part for me; knowing we can help people get back on their feet.”
Asked what advice she might give to others facing a cancer diagnosis, Laura said: “I couldn’t sleep or walk properly before chemo. You just have to go for it; trust the doctors. It has been incredibly hard, and the physio is tough but you feel so much better after you do it. Here at Woodend, I’ve met others in a similar situation to me and that has been incredibly helpful. At the moment, I’m still learning how to transfer myself from the bed and into a chair, and you just have to take it one day at a time.
“I can’t wait to go home and spend time with my cat as well as my husband, and I’m really thankful I have a job I can do remotely. My colleagues have been so, so supportive. Everyone has. It means a lot and it’s just really nice to have that support.”
Laura’s dad, who she says has been her chief physio cheerleader, is also keen to thank staff. He said: “I’ve been impressed by the dedication and professionalism shown to Laura. She has made friends with staff who have really helped her come through tough times and they’ve become like family to us as well. It makes all the difference being able to be here with Laura any time.”
Person-centred visiting is less about having fixed visiting times and more about staff, friends, family members and carers working together to support those in hospital in the best way possible.
Guidance specific to general, children’s and maternity settings is available on the visiting page of NHS Grampian’s website. For more information and advice, please email gram.visiting@nhs.scot
