Young patient thanks UHNM nurse for her support and care

A nurse from University Hospital of North Midlands has been recognised for supporting a young patient after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

Ciara Delf, staff nurse on ward 218 helped patient Charlie Parkinson after he was admitted to Royal Stoke University Hospital following high sugars and was quickly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

Charlie, 15, needed to manage his condition through four insulin injections a day, which was challenging due to his phobia of needles. Ciara was with him every step of the way educating him in caring for himself, something that he will now carry with him throughout his life.

Charlie’s Mum, Penny Parkinson, said: “Ciara blew both Charlie and I away with how caring, funny and relatable she was. She eased Charlie's nerves and slowly through each injection got him closer to injecting himself, never pushing too far but providing just enough of a nudge to get him that little bit closer. Most times this took up to an hour but Ciara only demonstrated that during that time, Charlie was her focus and priority.

“She reassured me as a parent and answered any questions we asked about his condition, making Charlie feel normal, supported and that everything will be okay as well as myself as his Mum.”

Penny, who works at UHNM added: “The care Charlie received, the facilities available, the education provision and Ciara really stood out and made me so proud to be associated with these services and care provision within UHNM, knowing that its positive impact is experienced by all at the darkest of times making things a little bit brighter.”

Ciara has received a Trust Hero Award in recognition of her care towards Charlie.

Ann-Marie Riley, UHNM Chief Nurse, said: “I am delighted to present Ciara with a Hero award to acknowledge the care, compassion and support she provided to Charlie.  It was fabulous to hear about the positive impact she had on both Charlie and his family.”

Ciara said: “It’s great to hear about how Charlie has been doing. It is all down to Charlie and how he has overcome his phobia and how he now manages his diabetes.  I am really pleased to receive this award in recognition for helping him and his family.”