My dad was diagnosed as terminally ill and spent a few weeks as an inpatient at St James’s. He decided on Wednesday afternoon that he was going home the following day and there was no changing his mind. We were trying to figure out how we were going to do IV antibiotics, etc., and then in walked this amazing nurse who was totally organized and had all the answers. It was Elaine from OPAT. We tried to negotiate with my dad for a further 24 hours so that everything was in place, but the answer was a firm No. So Elaine sprang into action, organizing deliveries of IV antibiotics, nurse support to train my sister and me, and fridges, care packs, emergency contacts, and support. It was only through Elaine’s organizing and determination to carry out my dad’s wishes that we got him home for his final month. Elaine is an exceptional nurse, full of compassion and totally dedicated. We feel so often, people do not fully appreciate what goes into actually getting patients home. We will be forever grateful to Elaine. She was so kind, and even after our dad passed, she took the time to reach out and check on us and to share her condolences.

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