Staff on Ward 12 at University Hospital of North Durham (UHND) recently made a long-standing patient’s dream come true with a heartfelt trip to the seaside – a powerful example of compassionate, patient-centred care in action.
David, who has been on the ward for over 100 days and lives with complex needs including a tracheostomy, was taken on a carefully planned visit to Roker Beach. A lover of the coast, he was able to take in the sights of the pier, lighthouse, and sea – supported throughout by familiar and trusted members of staff.
“We wanted to create a lasting memory for David that could support his recovery,” said Assistant Practitioner Tracey Harper. “The coast is somewhere that brings him joy, and we knew this would be really meaningful.”
Care, collaboration and kindness
Planning the visit required extensive coordination. Staff from NERAMS ambulance service, Janice from the Discharge Lounge, and David’s family all played a vital part. Back on the ward, Staff Nurse Silpa and HCA Dan helped prepare David early, while the wider team ensured colleagues could accompany him for the trip. It was essential that the staff involved were those who knew him well, as David is non-verbal and communicates through gestures and cues.
The result was something no one could have predicted.
“He made the most amazing happy noises on the way, something none of us had ever heard during his stay,” said Tracey. “It brought us all to tears.”
David is currently awaiting a bed in a specialist rehabilitation centre. In the meantime, the team on Ward 12 are creating a scrapbook from the day to serve as a reminder of the care and connection he received during his time at UHND.
“This was a true team effort from start to finish,” Tracey added. “And Sister Kelly Turner was instrumental in making it happen - she owns a heart of pure gold.”
This special day stands as a lasting testament to the impact of kindness, teamwork and going the extra mile.
