The two nurses I am recognizing are my respiratory/asthma nurses and the reason why I'm nominating them both is that I cannot single them out as they equally share my care.
They are Sue Eaton and Cathy Reynolds, Respiratory medicine at the City campus.
They are two of the most amazing specialist nurses I have ever come across (and I've worked in the trust for nearly 20 years). They are my nurses and could not ask for anyone else to be trusted with my care.
I suffer from severe asthma and have had so far, an 11 year battle with this horrible, and probably misunderstood illness. I have been on long term steroids for this length of time too and they have caused awful side effects that I probably wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
Sue and Cathy are so knowledgeable in their field and can answer all questions regarding my asthma that I throw at them. They are there Monday to Friday and I know as a patient that I can contact them and they will get back to me. I also know that I am in very safe hands and I can 100% trust them with my asthma and my care, as I don't just have asthma I am quite complex, and I've come across other specialties that are quite wary of my complex health needs, especially my severe asthma. But not Sue and Cathy. They will deal with not just my asthma, but the whole me. If I have a problem where my asthma is getting me down or I'm feeling anxious about it, they will both be there to answer my plea for help. They never let me down.
My recent visit to the hospital has had me stay for a few days at a time over the past few weeks as I've had an infection that triggered my asthma.
My last admission, from which I'm writing this nomination from my hospital bed, has been the most anxious and upsetting admission so far and I have been so distraught at times and I know that when I'm stressed and anxious that I've been able to contact them both and at least one of them will come and see me on the ward and they know how to calm me down and I feel so safe and supported and can relax for the rest of my stay.
They are good with hugs too!!! I see them once a month for an injection and they will have a good chat and generally interested in how their patients are and are very well respected.
I really struggle with my asthma issues and I would hate it if Sue and Cathy were not there for me. I honestly don't think I'd be able to manage my asthma as I do without this pair, and they are a pair, nothing separates them in my eyes. They are so patient-focused and leave them an email, ring them and they will be there for you.
I cannot stress how much they mean to me. They are true DAISY Nurses. They are the best.