An inspiring mum who beat cancer has now made a remarkable comeback from a stroke – thanks to an innovative health team who coordinated support in her own home.
Blantyre battler Katrina Morrison, who saw off cancer in 2018 after a six-year fight, recently experienced a sudden blurriness in her left eye.
Over the space of a few days, sight was to diminish completely, a frightening turn of events signalling she was having a stroke – leading to the 42-year-old mum-of-two being hospitalised.
“The staff, during the time I had cancer, were all amazing and got me through some of the darkest days and nights of my life,” explained Katrina, a civil servant.
“But hospitals, I suppose by association with that long chapter, bring on a real sense of trepidation for me.
“Having a stroke was a huge fright, especially after having just beat another illness. Fortunately, I’ve recovered without any long term health issues and I’m incredibly grateful to each and every one of the NHS Lanarkshire staff, from the hospital, GP and community team who have helped me through it.”
Katrina added: “What’s really meant the world to me was being able to spend my recovery in my own home.”
After receiving emergency treatment at University Hospital Hairmyres, Katrina would usually need to stay in the hospital for tests and monitoring. However, she was able to go home the same day thanks to Hairmyres staff linking in with NHS Lanarkshire’s Hospital at Home “virtual beds” service via Flow Navigation Centre Plus (FNC+Plus).
This service builds on Lanarkshire’s well-regarded, existing Hospital at Home programme, which provides hospital-level care to people aged 65 in their own home. NHS Lanarkshire has recently launched an Interface Directorate, and one key aim is to expand this service, as an alternative to hospital admission, to support more people in Lanarkshire facing various health challenges.
Katrina added: “The nursing team were in contact with me frequently during my recovery, and I had a real sense they were ‘on it’, similar to that cocoon of care you feel that’s wrapped around you when you are in an actual ward.”
Katrina’s situation – and the emergency care she received initially – meant that she needed minimal face-to-face support as she recovered. The virtual beds team, as well as maintaining frequent contact with Katrina, were able to seamlessly coordinate the follow-up care with her GP and relay vital information, including results of scans, with her consultant.
“The fact I was in the comfort of my own home, meant I was relaxed, particularly during the wee things that would otherwise trigger feelings of real anxiety,” said Katrina.
Katrina is now zeroing in on a fight of a different kind. “I’ve always loved fitness and circuit training, particularly boxing training.
“In recent years my focus has been on overcoming ill health. Now, thanks to NHS staff, I’m eyeing a return to the gym – and perhaps pulling on the gloves again.”
Director’s praise for exceptional care
Trudi Marshall, Interface Director for NHS Lanarkshire said: “Katrina’s remarkable and inspiring story provides a compelling example of NHS Lanarkshire’s efforts to transform the health and care system.
“Our efforts are being enabled by technology but powered by the compassion and expertise of staff using their shared experience and dedication to guide patients through some of the most vulnerable episodes of their lives.”
Ms Marshall added: “We are absolutely committed to collaboration, ensuring the best use of our resources – all underpinned by a focus on delivering care centred around the individual’s needs.”
