My dad was diagnosed as terminally ill and spent a few weeks as an inpatient at St James’s. He decided on a Wednesday afternoon that he was going home the following day, and there was absolutely no changing his mind. We were trying to figure out how we were going to manage things like IV antibiotics, and then in walked this amazing nurse who was completely organized and had every answer we needed. It was Elaine from OPAT.

We tried to negotiate with my dad for a further 24 hours so that everything could be properly arranged, but his answer was a firm "No." Elaine immediately sprang into action, organizing deliveries of IV antibiotics, arranging nurse support to train my sister and me, securing fridges, care packs, emergency contacts, and all the necessary resources. It was only through Elaine’s meticulous organizing and her determination to carry out my dad’s wishes that we were able to bring him home for his final month.

Elaine is an exceptional nurse. She's full of compassion, completely dedicated, and deeply committed to her patients. We feel that people often do not fully appreciate what truly goes into getting a patient home safely and with dignity. We will be forever grateful to Elaine. She was so kind, and even after our dad passed, she took the time to reach out, check on us, and share her condolences.

Elaine, you are truly an example of what every nurse should aspire to be. Thank you.