Thank you, Nurse Tracy

Thank you to every nurse, doctor and consultant that cared for my babies. Thank you to every member of the maintenance staff for keeping their environment clean and safe. It’s so hard to single out one person when everyone involved played a part in the safe homecoming of my twins Liam and Zachary but, that said, there was one nurse who stood out – Tracy. 

Beyond the NICU doors

Liam in the neonatal unit shortly after birth.

Tracy looked after my boys while in NICU when they were born at 26 weeks but it was what happened after discharge that I want to especially thank her for. Just 12 days after we brought them home, my eldest twin, Liam, became ill. He was off his feeds and just didn’t seem right. By the time we got to the hospital he was grey. 

Liam was already on oxygen but needed extra support so a call was made up to NICU. Tracy recognised his name and came down to see us, saying we were one of theirs so she had to come to us. She didn’t leave us until well over an hour after her shift had ended. 

Looking after me too

Liam and Zachary, now two years old, with their big brother.

Tracy didn’t just make sure Liam was OK, she looked after me as well. She shielded me from seeing certain things but made sure I was there when she knew it was important for me to be there. She arranged for food and drink for me while everyone was prepping Liam to be transferred to a different hospital. 

That day is still one of the most traumatic days of my life, even two years later, but thanks to Tracy I felt safe and, more importantly, I knew my boy was safe. She even called me a few days later to see how we both were! So thank you Tracy, I will never forget what you did. 

 Thanks to Emma Eve for sharing Liam and Zachary’s story.