“She saved us from the worst decision of our lives”
One of our ITU nurses has been called an “earth angel” by the family of a patient who was rushed to intensive care the day after a surgical procedure.
Nancy Karoki was looking after Chloe who came into ITU following a complication from her laparotomy operation, where an incision is made in the abdomen, and she had to have a tube put into her airway to help her breathe.
Chloe has severe global development delay and was unable to breathe by herself when doctors tried to remove the tube. Clinicians said the next option was to try a tracheotomy, a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the neck to provide direct airway to the trachea. There was a risk that this may mean Chloe would need long term care. The alternative to the tracheotomy was to make Chloe comfortable for end of life.
Nancy cared for Chloe (picture above) from her first day in ITU and sat down with the family to explain the process of tracheotomy and provided support to Chloe and the family so they could make their decision understanding everything.
Chloe’s family decided to do the tracheotomy and after four months of gradual weaning, Nancy successfully removed the tracheotomy tube.
Jayne Stump, Chloe’s mother, said:
I owe everything to Nancy. She saved us from what would have been the worst decision of our lives"
“I've never known such a caring individual and from day one she treated Chloe like a normal human being and saw through Chloe's disabilities.
"She went above and beyond for Chloe, who after four months is now home with her family and not needing extra care.
"She is an earth angel and so worthy of recognition.
Jayne nominated Nancy for a You Made a Difference award for the care she provided Chloe. Nancy won and received her award from Chief Executive (Interim) Fiona Wheeler (pictured below).
Nancy said:
I’m beyond honoured to know I made an impact on Chloe and her family.
"The care we give in ITU is vital and it’s important for families that we empower them so they can make the right decision for their loved ones.