My health heroes at LGI and St James’s
All the staff did so much to make my 8-year-old self feel safe
Health hero nomination by Liv Powell
I can’t remember exact dates as I was quite young, but when I was a child I was in hospital twice for really serious conditions and the staff of the children’s wards were absolutely amazing!
In 2005 I was admitted to LGI with peritonitis and was really lucky to survive, which was then followed by me being readmitted to St James’ hospital in 2006 with adhesions due to complications caused by the surgery for my previous peritonitis.
Peritonitis is an infection of the inner lining of the tummy. Left untreated, it can become life threatening.
I remember feeling quite scared and worrying if I was going to die, and all the staff did so much to make my 8-year old self feel safe and like I could have some fun. At LGI, I particularly remember a lovely nurse called Ruth, and a play nurse called Sarah who was always kind and was never annoyed when I kept making my various drips beep.
“I remember feeling really lucky that I was being given a gift and it made a bit less scary”
I think my surgeon was called Mr Crabbe, and although I don’t think I ever met him I will always be grateful to him that he saved my life! I can’t remember the nurse’s name, but when I was transferred from St James’ to LGI a nurse gave me a ‘make you own dolphin spinning mobile’, and again I remember feeling really lucky that I was being given a gift and it made a bit less scary.
They didn't react negatively to me at all when I had to have a nasogastric tube put in both times which I was quite upset with.
A nasogastric tube is a special tube that carries food and medicine to the stomach through the nose.
When this was finally removed, all I could eat were special strawberry yoghurts my Mum brought me. All the staff made sure nobody touched these or tried to pinch them.
I'm really grateful to all the staff who particularly worked on the LGI children's ward, both times, as they were so friendly, and they all made me feel really comfortable - they really looked after me!