Nick’s mum, Sally, underwent emergency brain surgery at Southmead Hospital following a bleed on the brain.
“The first I heard that mum was in hospital was when I received a call from my sister one morning to say mum had taken herself to A&E. I called mum and her speech was slightly slurred, so I went to the hospital straight away. By the time I arrived, she was unconscious with her right side in spasm.
Mum was moved to the neuro unit, where the consultant showed me a scan of her brain and explained that she had a tumour. He told me that he could operate that day – almost immediately if a theatre was free. All I could think about was that Mum might die and my children would grow up not remembering their grandmother. We went home that afternoon and just watched the clock until we got a phone call 10 hours later to say the surgery had gone well.”
Whilst Sally recovered in ICU her family took her out to the critical care rooftop garden provided by donations to Southmead Hospital Charity.
“With all the tubes and wires connected to her, it was quite a job for the amazing staff to get her outside. Mum has never liked being kept indoors and was relieved to get out in the fresh air. As we settled her in, she said “lovely” and closed her eyes when the sun hit her face. This was at a time when she would only respond “yes” or “no”. It was a particularly poignant moment and gave me hope that she could recover.
Mum now has full mobility, is independent and sees her grandchildren every week – which means the world to me. The skilled and caring staff at Southmead Hospital saved my mum’s life. They save lives every day and may one day save you or someone close to you.”
