"Pre and Post Heart Transplant"

In September 2022 I was implanted with a LVAD in the Freeman Hospital Newcastle Upon Tyne. On my return home I was extremely fortunate to have the support from the District Nurses in Richhill Health Centre. The team having never seen a patient with LVAD stepped up and helped me adjust to the “New normal” They enabled me to self manage my device whilst regularly reviewing me.

At the beginning of December 23 I received a Heart Transplant again in the Freeman Hospital and returned home 4 January 24. The District Nurses continued to show me the highest level of care and support in the early stages of me recovery. With a “Shared Care” approach between Richhill Health Centre and Freeman I was able to manage my review appointments and medication plan.

As I approach my 2 year anniversary, the District and Treatment room Nurses continue to provide care above and beyond what they are required to do. Their interest and tangible support in my progress is humbling for me but also incredibly reassuring. As budgets are constricting all the time, the girls always manage to provide 5 star care, that when I discuss follow up care with other TX patients either in NI or Freeman it is apparent that I continue to be extremely fortunate to receive such care. 

I won’t name names as some of my Blue Angels have moved onto different roles in the NHS and it wouldn’t be fair to single out anyone individually. But it would be very fair and true to say that each and every District nurse and Treatment room Nurse that has worked out of Richhill Health Centre (and continue to do so) since I’ve needed their expertise will be held the highest regard by me and my family