Lauren is currently my rheumatology nurse and has been for the past couple of years. The service is very changeable. In the last 8 years I've had numerous rheumatologists and nurses. Lauren is always available when I have needed help. I have a rare condition called scleroderma that affects my circulation, skin, etc. At times I have had my fingers go numb then ischemic and then gangrene. When a finger goes numb I can ring or message Lauren to talk to my rheumatologist and organise for me to be admitted through ED for a rare infusion called illoprost to open up the small blood capillaries in the extremities.
Lauren will message/ring back within minutes and have it all organised within hours and this has resulted in good treatments and saving a lot of my finger tissue. Over 8 years I have needed around 8 rounds of illoprost. My last admission was a few weeks ago for 5 days and 10-day treatment over the level 3 COVID-19 period. Lauren made everything so much easier for me. When it came to admission, she ensures the ED has all the paperwork and communicates with everyone involved to ensure I'm looked after and treatment goes well. The illoprost is 6 hours over 5 days, sometimes 10.
Lauren also finds time to visit me when I'm in for infusions. She is one of the best, most supportive, and thorough nurses I've ever met. My mother also applauds the hard work she does.
Lauren is very organised, kind, lovely, thorough, committed and one of the best nurses I've ever met. She is a DAISY Nurse.