Nigel Is a 74 Year Old Retired Head Teacher. Nigel S Wife, Gweness (Gwen) Was Diagnosed

Nigel’s Story Nov 12

Ward 1, UHND

Nigel is a 74 year old retired head teacher. Nigel’s wife, Gweness (Gwen) was diagnosed with MS nineteen years ago at the age of 53 years and retired from her job as a PA in a local solicitors firm. Nigel also retired at this time to support Gweness and enjoy a long retirement together. For the last four years Gweness has lived in a local nursing home and Nigel visits routinely three times per day.

Earlier this year, Gweness was diagnosed with pneumonia. She was taken to A/E at University Hospital of North Durham (UHND) and subsequently transferred to ward 1. Nigel reflects on his level of anxiety at this time. Not only was Gweness very poorly, his previous experiences of UHND were negative ones and he feared for Gweness’ wellbeing.

Gweness was initially assessed and regularly reviewed by Dr Shamoon on A/E and on ward 1. Nigel was very impressed by the positivity and attitude of Dr Shamoon and the staff on ward 1, particularly Des Burdess, ward manager.

Initially very weak, Gweness was moved into a side room. There was little improvement in her condition, and Nigel and his family were prepared for the worst. Gweness would show signs of improvement and then deteriorate.

“It was like a roller coaster, her condition. But on every occasion the improvement took her progress a little higher and the depression not so low! I recall Dr Shamoon, in the first few days informed me that we were fighting a war against illness and the aim was to fight one battle at a time. How right he was. All of the staff without exception have fought on Gwen’s behalf. It has been a long, slow tiring encounter, but the benefits of seeing my wife so lively, pain free, alert and content have made it all worthwhile.”

Throughout a nine week period, Gweness and her family would experience this roller coaster ride. After approximately six weeks Gweness was fed using a peg and she began to show signs of improvement. Nigel recalls conversations with Dr Shamoon, who wouldn’t accept any praise for the decisions he was making. Nigel was very impressed with his manner, his attitude, his ability and his genuine care for the family. Nigel also commented on the ward Matron who was always involved in patient care, showing an excellent example to the ward staff, having a quiet word when needed with the team.

“Eileen (Matron) offered quiet encouragement and support to her team as well as families and patients. There was an air of confidence because of her presence. She was smashing.”

Nigel explained that this was not a snap shot view of the ward and how it was managed. He was a visitor on the ward from 8am until 8pm for a nine week period. Enough time was available to observe routine practice. Nigel was able to visit any time, he could speak to doctors and nurses whenever he requested updates of Gweness’ progress and care. Nigel recalls a conversation with Dr Shamoon, who thanked Nigel for the support and encouragement he was offering to the medical and nursing team. Nigel believes the thanks must go to the staff who supported and nursed Gweness back to health, and he is most appreciative of this.

Nigel reflects on the routine hustle and bustle of the ward which was always very busy, the staff never stopped. Patients were supported and encouraged to eat at mealtimes. Nigel was offered drinks and food. The cleaning staff were always chatty. Rooms were cleaned two to three times per day and were always spotless. The rapport with Nigel from all of the team was very positive which helped a difficult situation become more bearable. They would always put themselves out for anyone.

Nigel would visit the chapel at UHND on a regular basis. He often stopped for a chat with the hospital chaplains Kevin and Catherine. Nigel was very appreciative of the support offered to him. “Kevin was always available when I needed him. He was encouraging, an inspiration”.

Nigel remembers joking with Dr Shamoon asking for a present when he returned from holiday. Dr Shamoon returned with a small pill box – a gift from India. Nigel explained that this level of detail, support, care and understanding is the essence of a great service that doesn’t get captured or recorded, however these are the important things that patients and their families remember for all of the right reasons.

Nigel summarised the experience he encountered with the below words that he feels encapsulates the ward 1 team. “Compassion, determination, humour, promptness, teamwork, willingness”.

Gweness has made good progress since leaving ward 1. In August 2012, Nigel and Gweness renewed their wedding vows and in December they look forward to celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

“Patients on this ward are lucky….they have the best”