"The critical care liaison nurse made such a difference"

I was rushed into Wishaw in early december 2015 for what was eventually diagnosed with auto immune encephalitis. I don't remember my time in the hospital due to illness but from what my family tell me the care was excellent with only one concern when my sister had to point out to staff that I was dehydrated.

I ended up in intensive care where Audrey, the critical care liaison nurse, got involved with my family. Audrey really helped and supported every one and that includes speaking to my ex partner who lives in Coventry about what to say to my son about my condition at the time. I was transferred to the Southern due to the severity of my condition but once she realised Audrie contacted me for a meeting.

I have got to say, for a patient with no recollection of being in hospital until I woke up after treatment she offered the most support where it was needed and this was filling in the blanks and explaining what happened. She offered advise and just knowing what was involved and explaining it in a way that was easy to understand. The big part for me about the whole process was afterwards trying to understand it all and the severity of my condition. Audrey really helped me and continues to help put it all together. The mental support is just as critical as the physical and it wasn't just me she supported, it was my whole family.

On my second visit again going through the whole thing and getting more information is critical to my recovery. I was trying to understand what all the tubes and pipes that were taken out of me were for, so she described what they did and she was also able to show me them. This made a huge difference in understanding what was or did happen to me.

Audrey also took me down to show me where I was in intensive care. Just to see and understand the amount of people and machines involved was incredible.  Again this made a huge difference to my understanding of my condition and what happened to me.

All the staff were amazing, and the support I got and continue to get outside hospital has been incredible.

I didn't realise it but I believe the Critical care liaison nurse position is a new roll that's been recently introduced. For me and my family it has been one of the the supportive and critical in the whole process. Audrey has answered all those questions you don't know who to ask but you need to know the answers of.

On an occasion when I couldn't get any answers from any where else, not from the hospital, the consultants or doctors, Audrey came to the rescue. She calmed me down and ran me through what I should do next. Audrey's position I would say is a real asset to support patients and family.

I would also like to say I am very disappointed with the consultants at the Southern in terms of trying to get an appointment for follow up results 4 phone calls from me 2 from my doctor and a letter from my doctor and still nothing.