I was admitted to Kettering General Hospital after trying to take my own life. The first few days were a blur for me but when I came around and was recovering. I started to understand my surroundings again. Gutted to have to endure another hospital stay however, it’s been one that’s left some warmth on my cold and broken heart. 

I was a patient for 2.5 weeks on Middleton assessment unit, and when I felt like I had nothing, the majority of the staff showed and gave me time, compassion, and understanding. 

I was in an extremely dark place, having lost everything to my mental illness, and the impact my actions had on my physical illness is what left me to ride out a long stay in a general hospital. 

I was very scared and my faith and trust were next to none due to my whole host of previous experiences in different hospitals. 

But …. along came MAU with some of the kindest, genuine, passionate staff who have left a positive warmth in my heart, but more than anyone, along came Emily. 

Emily has worked at the hospital for 10 years, and to say she’s good is an understatement. Emily was beyond exceptional in dealing with complex little old me and she did not give up on me. Emily has been in receipt of a DAISY award before, and it’s so easy to see why. She was born to be a nurse, has the most amazing people skills, and her dedication to not just me but all patients, as I witnessed, was just something I’ve never seen before. Emily is THE prime example of a nurse and a genuine, lovely, kind-hearted person. 

As I stated, I was below rock bottom, and my physical health wasn’t at its prime either. This was impacting my mental illness even further, and I was justin  a state. Emily worked tirelessly to support me during my stay and not just by doing what all nurses are ‘paid to do’. Emily cared when I was literally alone and had no clothes or comforts or nice smellies that made me feel a little better, and so Emily went out of her way to source me these items and didn’t expect anything for them. When I was in distress, I would often resort to hurting myself. Rather than making me feel bad for this amongst all other responsibilities, Emily would hold my hands, tell me it’s going to be okay, and support me in doing things that made me feel brighter, like freshening up or going outside for some crisp air! Sometimes, when I was spiraling, Emily would recognize it before me and offer me PRN medication. Emily knew sometimes I couldn’t see when this was required, and therefore, she would take time to explain to me what she was noticing and how it would help me, and therefore, I would be more willing to take it.