A tribute to transplant nurses

My transplant journey would not have been possible without the transplant nurses; they play an essential role in the care of patients after transplant surgery. I had a 9 week inpatient stay after my double lung transplant and was extremely lucky to have an incredible team of nurses both in intensive care and on Ward 38 at the Freemans hospital.

During my stay that was full of many up and downs, as well as giving me essential medical care, the nurses rallied to keep my spirits up. They brushed and plaited my hair and helped me get dressed when I couldn’t do it alone and they held my hand and comforted me through some of the most tough and traumatic times of my life. Even when visitors are allowed, hospitals can be a very lonely place but I never felt lonely at the Freeman hospital thanks to the likes of Debbie, Vicky and Georgia!

Georgia had been my nurse at admission on the day of my transplant until the day I got to go home, so for us to both take part in the British transplant games donor run/walk in 2015 was really amazing. Georgia ran whilst I, only 6 months post-transplant, did a slow walk. But having her greet me over the finish line was really special and a testament to how the care of nurses had helped get me to that point.

The bonds I have created with my transplant nurses, last to this day, when I have a transplant clinic appointment it is a joy to go and visit the ward (pre-pandemic) and see the familiar friendly faces and to catch up, and they also tell me how rewarding it is to see me doing so well! My recovery from transplant would not have been possible without the consistently outstanding care from my nurse. Nurses really are some of the best of humanity.

– Holly ❤