Over a period of seven months, Anca has been one of the main nurses caring for me prior to and following major bowel surgeries. When I was first admitted, it was an emergency, and I was bleeding significantly from my rectum, in a huge amount of pain, and very frightened. Anca stayed by my side throughout, ensuring my pain levels were under control as much as they could be, fetching me a heating pad, and rubbing my back as I cried out on the bed in agony. She supported me as I blacked out of the toilet and made sure I was safe at all times. Her calm approach helped me not to panic, and her compassion and empathy for what I was experiencing meant so much as I struggled, unaware of what was happening and why.

The care she had for me that night was also a huge comfort to my husband and my mum. I’ve had many complications since the initial surgery following the bleed, waking up with a stoma which I found traumatising after having one previously, it was also a large open surgery with a difficult wound. My mental health was tested, and Anca’s support and reassurance that I would be able to manage and get through meant so much. She knew what to say when I was crying and struggling with various emotions the surgery brought up. I ended up having a 52-day stay shortly after returning home from the stoma surgery as I had obstructions and was unable to eat.

Again, Anca was on hand and went out of her way to make sure I felt comfortable and at ease with the treatment plan in place while I awaited surgery. When this surgery came, and I ended up with a leak and a prolonged stay in the ICU, Anca visited on several occasions to continue offering her support. Back in the ward, she continued to help me through another tough time, making sure all my needs were met.

A couple of months later, when I returned for my reversal, she was once again waiting for me with a kind smile and helped me cope with the difficulties of that surgery, which included staying with me when I was incredibly weak in the bathroom and struggling to do anything for myself. Anca has a lovely warmth that would put any patient at ease, and I’m so grateful she has been a part of my care. She has made a real difference in how I’ve felt about all of my admissions. And I write this while admitted once more with complications. Once more, she’s been on hand with guidance, has held my hand when I’ve been crying, and has kept encouraging me through this tough journey. I really hope Anca’s love of her job and her determination to help others is rewarded.