We have heard people so many times referring to nurses and other hospital staff as angels. Our family had the privilege of meeting our very own angel, Ashley, albeit in difficult circumstances. Our dad collapsed in the A&E department at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire. He went into cardiac arrest and was resuscitated several times. He was then rushed for an emergency procedure in the Cath Lab, and afterward became a patient in General Critical Care. This was where we met Ashley. Ashley came into our family's lives at a moment of turmoil. We were terrified that we were going to lose the man who has been the rock for all of us. Dad was in an induced coma with wires and tubes everywhere. Ashley patiently explained the purpose of each piece of equipment, what the numbers and beeps meant, and reassured my Mum, sister, and I throughout.
Although Ashley was there to care for our Dad, she was also an amazing source of support for us. Our Dad was unconscious, but Ashley constantly spoke to him as she reassured him and explained procedures, treating him with dignity and respect. When Dad woke up, Ashley continued this approach. She was patient, kind, and used her sense of humour to put him at ease. Whilst visiting Dad, there were many occasions when our family observed other members of staff asking Ashley for her advice. She used the same patient, caring approach with them as she used with us. We feel as though this is a true measure of someone's character - Ashley was able to balance caring for her own patient with supporting her colleagues.
From the time we spent on the department, we believe that Ashley would be humble in her approach to her work - she may well say "I'm just doing my job." For us, it was far more than that. Our family will be forever grateful to Ashley. She is a real credit to the nursing profession and to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.