Long-serving UHNM volunteer praises “amazing” care after cancer diagnosis

A long-serving volunteer at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has praised staff for the “amazing” care she has received following a life-changing diagnosis.

Celia Jarrett, 82, who has volunteered at UHNM for 10 years with her 12-year-old King Charles spaniel Maisy, was unexpectantly diagnosed with breast and lung cancer in April 2024. 

Celia, who along with Maisy is a familiar and much-loved visitor across the Royal Stoke University Hospital through UHNM’s pet therapy initiative, wrote to Dr Simon Constable, chief executive, describing her breast cancer care as “second to none” and praising staff for going “over and beyond” in supporting her.

Celia said: “After suffering a fall they thought I’d broken a couple of ribs and sent me for an X-ray. A couple of days later I had a phone call to say that ribs are OK, but I’ve got breast cancer and lung cancer. 

“The treatment I’ve had has been absolutely amazing, from my consultants to the receptionists. They are so kind and understanding, everybody is so human. I’m incredibly lucky, because if I didn’t have that fall, I wouldn’t have known.

“Maisy is put on this earth to make people smile. We’re doing mainly palliative work now and I come to the hospital when needed, but I’d be here 24/7. I wanted to say thank you for all that you’re doing. I’ve got so much confidence in my team.”

Dr Constable invited Celia and Maisy to Trust Headquarters to thank them personally for their service and their heartfelt message.

Dr Constable said: “Celia and Maisy bring comfort, joy and companionship to so many of our patients and staff. They embody the spirit of volunteering at UHNM and we are grateful for Celia’s kind words and proud to have played a part in her care.”

In 2023, Celia along with Maisy were named UHNM Volunteer of the Year at the annual Night Full of Stars staff awards.