International Nurses’ Day

Posted on 7 May 2021

The Alcohol related long term conditions service supports patients with alcohol related physical health complications as a result of alcohol dependency / misuse, either still ongoing or historic. They do this through liaison with acute hospitals and via direct referrals from primary care, community teams and treatment services.  The service provides intensive, holistic support to such patients with alcohol related long term conditions, with the aim of reducing non elective hospital admissions and A&E attendance by better meeting their needs.  This includes consideration of the patients’ physical and mental health needs, as well as their wider social circumstances such as housing and debt.

The team have recently received some fantastic feedback from their patients.

One patient had this to say about Kirsty McManus, Team Leader, Alcohol Related Long Term Conditions Team

“I was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis in 2019 and took the opportunity of being offered an Alcohol Related Long Term Health Conditions Nurse, Kirsty McManus.

 

“Kirsty has been an incredible asset to my health problems; we would meet weekly and discuss my health conditions and concerns. Any questions I have she answers me with reassurance and explanations. 

 

“As covid-19 came into action, we have continuously maintained contact via telephone. On one occasion when I was concerned about my symptoms, Kirsty visited me with full PPE to check my vitals and observe my physical condition. 

 

“As my diagnosis has recently undergone scrutiny, Kirsty has always been there to offer support and guidance, even during times when we haven't had appointments booked. Kirsty has also liaised on my behalf with my Hepatology Consultant. 

 

“I feel very confident with Kirsty, and feel like I can be up front and honest without any judgement from her. In my experience, this is a key attribute to a good working relationship and without her I believe my lifestyle changes would have been a far greater challenge to achieve. 

 

“I have worked with numerous health professionals in my life. I value Kirsty as an integral part of helping me with my health problems and (hopefully, someday) recovery; her experience and compassion are by far second to none.”

 

Another patient said

“I think that not only is Kirsty a brilliant nurse but she's also an exceptional person who cares about her patients and puts 110% into her work and I feel very lucky to have her as my nurse, not only does she help me out with a lot but she's been so supportive with all of my physical and mental health problems.”

 

A patient sent a letter to Kirsty:

“Dear Kirsty, it is not often that you get an opportunity to write to your nurse and thank them personally for everything that they have done for you. I am therefore delighted to do so.

The NHS had done its job, saved my life and sent me home. You came into my life when I was at my lowest ebb. Worrying about my immediate and long term future. With calm reassurance and gentle persuasion you put me on the right path to recovery. Always happy to answer and explain any questions that I may have, in a way I can understand.

Dealing with GP’s, hospitals and consultants can be a daunting proposition at the best of times and the way in which you intercede occasionally is invaluable.

Being able to contact you personally is also very reassuring. Thank you for your kindness and friendly professionalism at all times.”

 

 

Natalie from the team received this lovely feedback:

“Natalie has been visiting and taking care of my wife now for over 6 months.

“My wife has had help from quite a few health professionals over the years during her battle against illness, whilst she has certainly had some good care, Natalie without question has made the most difference.   

“She is extremely caring and personable which has helped both myself and my wife to form a strong trusting relationship with her.

“She has also proven to be extremely professional in her nursing, guidance and help and has been very effective of making sure others such as my wife’s GP and the QMC have provided the help that my wife needs.

“My wife has now been abstinent since  December , in this time she has not been particularly well and I think she has a long road to recovery but with the help of Natalie we both feel that there is some hope.   

“I personally have no doubt that without Natalie`s involvement I would have lost my wife by now.”

 

Nicky from the team received a lovely email:

 

“To whom it may concern,

 

“The support I’ve had from Nicky and their team have been truly appreciated. Nicky’s been a massive part of my relative’s recovery and a great support network for myself being a carer. Nicky goes above and beyond to help us, she’s our main point of contact without having to speak to a doctor if we’re concerned with anything. Nicky can pick up subtle changes in my relative very quickly, acts promptly on them which have helped myself and him quite a few times. Without the support from Nicky i would be lost, I would feel immense pressure having to deal with his long term illness on my own, she’s cares massively for her patients and their families.

 

Having that support means a lot and we feel supported and know we can reach out to Nicky anytime. I feel also that Nicky gets undermined when it comes to doctors etc when in fact Nicky knows more about his condition than anyone else, I feel that doctors and other points of contact should engage more with the Long terms conditions nurse because they are the ones who are in their everyday lives. I'm really appreciative of all the work, support, that Nicky does for us, she’s not just a nurse but a confidant, social worker, a friend everything rolled into one. I wouldn’t be able to do this without her support. She’s there to help prevent hospital admissions which takes massive pressure off the doctors/hospitals etc, which we’ve needed a few times so without her help I really don’t think steven would be where he is now.”

 

Well done team!