“On December 24th 2016 I was in QMC hospital, literally everyone was told the machines were being switched off. But Mr. Robinson my consultant barged in like an ex objecting at a wedding…..
I’ve been told he just phoned but I like my version better. Long story short he gave me a tracheostomy and saw something in me to let me live. My life was saved by this man, but my life was given back to me by the team at Nottingham.”
Patient A, 2018.
In December 2016 at the age of 17 Patient A was admitted to Nottingham’s Queens Medical Centre following a complaint of a headache, vomiting and collapsing at home. Medics at QMC diagnosed a right cerebellar bleed and intubated Patient A, who remained in a coma until February 2017 when he started to emerge.
Patient A was admitted to Nottingham Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre’s high dependency Fernwood Unit in March 2017. On admission a SMART assessment on Fernwood Unit diagnosed Patient A as presenting in a Vegetative State unable to interact with his environment or communicate by any means. A tracheostomy was placed to aid respiratory function and PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) for all nutrition and hydration needs. During this time period Patient A was completely dependent on the care and nursing staff at Nottingham Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre to meet all of his needs. Through focused multi-disciplinary treatment, rehabilitation nursing and care support Patient A continued to emerge from a Vegetative State.
Reassessment gave an indicative diagnosis of MSC- (Minimally Conscious State Minus) from which he continued to emerge through his stay at Nottingham Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre and develop physically and cognitively. Patient A’s tracheostomy was weaned on site and de-cannulated successfully in August 2017.
Patient A was transferred to the Millwood Unit of Nottingham Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre unit for on-going neurorehabilitation where he continued to go from strength to strength.
In early 2018 with support of Occupational Therapy at Nottingham Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre, Patient A joined a local wheelchair basketball club. This helped provide a physical and emotional outlet and he become a vital member of the club, supporting others new to wheelchair basketball. Patient A was discharged back home in the community in late 2018 without a formal care package. He now only requires minimal assistance with his daily care needs. He is able to prepare and eat a normal diet, communicate verbally and is now seeking opportunities to return to work.
