My name is Valentien, and I’m a Matron in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Southmead Hospital.
Whatever the season, and whatever the circumstances, my team and I care for critically ill patients who need round-the-clock care.
Our ICU is one of the busiest in the country, caring for nearly 3,000 people a year – each one fighting to survive.
But we can’t do this alone.
I want to share with you the stories of three families who, thanks to our supporters, are celebrating this Christmas together at home after receiving life-saving critical care from our hospitals.
Luke, a father of two, was placed in an induced coma after suffering respiratory failure. Charitable donations helped to purchase the ‘ECMO’ equipment – one of the most advanced forms of emergency life-support – which allowed Luke’s lungs to heal and enabled him to return home to his wife and children.
After complications following the birth of her first child, Rosie spent five days in ICU, away from her newborn.
Donations helped to fund the specialist psychological support service which ensured that Rosie was physically and emotionally ready to return home with her little girl, Gabby.
“The charity provided key parts of my care and supported my healing.
“Now, I’m happy, healthy and looking forward to the future with my family.”
Nick’s mother, Sally, underwent complex brain surgery at Southmead to remove a tumour.
Whilst she recovered in ICU, Nick took her out to our rooftop garden, which offers a private, tranquil space away from the clinical environment.
“Despite her very limited language in those early days, she was able to say ‘lovely’ when the sun hit her face.
“These small moments provided us with comfort and hope during really difficult days.”
These incredible outcomes simply could not happen without the help of our donor community.
By donating today, you can help us to save more lives and return more people home to their families.
