Where do I start with Paula? Well, let's just say that she is the definition of "going over and above". Paula is amazing. When I had my ileostomy I really struggled to cope with it mentally. She came in a few days later and had sewn and made me pretty stoma bag covers.
I have autism and Paula cares for me as me, not just as the medical condition I have presented with, and that makes all the difference. If I am going off the ward Paula only has to look at me and she knows if I am ok or if I want to get away and she will catch me up and make sure I'm safe. She has sat with me for several hours sometimes, and long past her home time just to comfort me and make sure I am settled.
Paula has advocated for me, hugged me when I've cried, calmed me down if I get into a meltdown, taught other staff about how best to work with me, been with me for countless surgeries/tests/procedures and has stayed with me, reassuring me and explaining everything in a way I can understand. She understands the Makaton signs I use and picture program I use to communicate and helps me when I'm anxious to try and tell her what's wrong.
Because of my autism, I like to tap things with my fingers a lot and I can't count the hours that I have spent sitting with Paula at the desk doing my coloring and she lets me sit and tap her arm or leg. Paula has picked me up so many times when I've been unable to pick myself up. I don't know what words to say to show how grateful I am and will always be to Paula.
I hope UHCW is proud of her and she is proud of herself because she is a complete credit and I can't thank her enough. She is simply outstanding, and at some of the hardest times of my life, she has made and continues to make this journey that bit easier.