Mum says doctors, nurses and specialists were ‘heroes’
A Somerset Mum, whose daughter was recently treated for suspected meningitis, is aiming to raise hundreds of pounds for The Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Eight year old Phoebe became unwell at the start of the month. She was rushed into Weston General Hospital after her mum, Natasha Hilldebrandt, noticed she was having difficulty moving her neck. She had also spotted a rash.
Phoebe was transferred to Bristol Children’s Hospital – where she stayed for a total of six days.
Natasha spoke with Breaktime News to explain how the compassion of the staff made a world of difference for her and her daughter.
‘No corner was cut and every diagnostic test was given and in a timely manner. Even if there was only a small percentage it could have been a particular illness they tested for it!’
‘Phoebe has always been a poorly child. She was first in ITU at just eight weeks old and sadly has been in and out of hospital her whole life for various conditions.’
‘She has a severe phobia of needles, given her multiple hospital stays, and they never made her feel silly for it. They ensured her peace of mind and anxieties were always met.’
‘This involved specialists to give gas and air for her multiple blood tests, and even putting her to sleep for two lumbar punctures, a new cannula, as her veins had shut down, and (they undertook) more blood tests.’
‘Nothing was too much trouble, it’s hard to put into words but in our eyes they are heroes.’
Phoebe with her Mum, Natasha.
‘I knew she was desperately unwell and I was scared’
‘She’s getting better daily but she is still extremely lethargic, the rash is still visible but fading, and has tummy pain.’
Despite her recent health issues, Natasha explains that Phoebe is keen to get back to trampolining as she is currently Number One in the UK for her age and category in the national schools’ competition.
‘We are having to postpone any bouncing for the moment whilst her body recovers. Because Phoebe is always so happy go lucky, even when she’s unwell, what would wipe a smile off an adult she beams through.’
‘The hospital has the most incredible rooms for poorly children and a parent to stay in which is invaluable that I was able to sleep in the same room. I didn’t leave her side.’
‘Seeing Phoebe so unwell, and that beautiful smile she always wears fading, my heart sank. I knew she was desperately unwell and I was scared. The nurses, doctors, consultants couldn’t have done more.’
‘I obviously cried multiple times and every time I was met with a cuddle, reassurance, tissues and a cup of tea. I never felt that as a family we weren’t informed or a burden on them.’
‘The impact of being hospitalised on a child is not just for the moment and time they are there it has a lasting effect on them physically but more so mentally and I truly believe they have saved Phoebe is so many more ways than just this episode.’
‘She is recovering and for that I’m forever grateful’
‘Phoebe had viral meningitis with an unknown bacterial infection on top. We are awaiting the results but they are such specialised tests they can take up to two weeks for the cultures to grow.’
‘The combination of these illnesses together made Phoebe a tricky case to diagnose and the bombardment of medication she required made her violently sick but ultimately (it) was leading to her recovery.’
‘Sadly the illnesses took its toll on her kidneys which will take a while to recover, but, thanks to Weston General Hospital, for their prompt starting of antibiotics, and to Bristol Children’s Hospital for everything, she is recovering, and, for that, I’m forever grateful.’
Natasha recently took to social media to gain sponsors for The Grand Walk which is taking place at the end of September. She’s raised more than £100 and aims to reach the £200 mark before the event which takes place on Sunday 28 September.
Organisers explain it’s designed to suitable for all ages and the money raised will help to support sick children across the South West. Natasha now aims to repay the kindness and support that Phoebe received during her recent hospital stays.
‘We want to give back in any way we can and this sponsored walk is the perfect way to do so.’
Breaktime News has previously reported on the difference MediCinema can make for the lives of young patients in hospital.
