Hospital team use own money to help stranded patient

UHNM’s respiratory physiology team used their own money to help a stranded patient get home recently. The team, who are based in the heart and lung unit at Royal Stoke, arranged for special transportation, waiting with the patient after hours.

Staff have been given the Team of the Month award in recognition of their care and compassion.

Ian Cliff, clinical scientist, said: “The patient in this case was incontinent, wheelchair-bound and had been waiting for a long time. They were becoming distressed, having already been out of the house for more than seven hours. The team tended to all their needs and made the decision to try and arrange private transport through a local company.

“Following many calls and pleas for help, the team managed to secure an adapted vehicle which could take the patient home. What makes this act particularly deserving is that they collectively stayed with the patient after their working day. Because the patient was unable to pay for the transport, the team paid out of their own pocket.  This is beyond what is expected of them under their normal duties and I am a very proud manager.”

Lisa Thomson, director of communications and UHNM Charity, said: "This was a very kind act which not everyone would have done and the team have really excelled in demonstrating our hospital value of compassion. This makes them very deserving winners of the Team of the Month award."