Bev Hurst
For over four years now I have been raising awareness of Healthcare Infections and Patient Safety Issues as well as supporting a vast number of families that have suffered as a result of these issues. My personal experience comes from the loss of my mother who went into hospital for a perfectly treatable condition ‘gout’ due to several clinical errors she had to undergo an emergency bowel operation for which her survival chances were very slim, she pulled through that then contracted MRSA, as a family we were told nothing apart from it ‘little of no concern infection'. The same day she went into a coma and was put on life support, 11 days later she died without ever regaining consciousness. My family and I never wanted litigation but we did require some answers and I went into the complaints system. That in itself was a harrowing experience and I was in the system over four and a half years before the Trust finally conceded they were in the wrong on a number of issues, one being the incorrectly written death certificate. I am now well versed in the system and use this experience to walk other families through it. Over the last four and a half years I have used my passion and commitment in a positive way and I have made representations to various Government Bodies / Agencies and other Health Organisations with regard to Healthcare Infections and Patient Awareness / Patient Safety events held by the NHS Trusts.
I myself have suffered for over 30 years with Systemic Sclerosis which has meant numerous hospitalisations, operations and amputation over the years. This also means I have experienced both good and bad practice.
With regard to Infection Protection and Patient Safety issues my mantra has always been "every single one of us is a Potential Client of Healthcare and therefore it is in everyone’s interest to work in collaboration to ensure Healthcare is safe care’’.
Nothing I say or do will ever bring my Mum back nor will it ever take away the terrible suffering my family went through and are still to some extent going through. But, if one word or action of mine helps save just one other person going through the same suffering then my passion and commitment will be worth it. I am proud to be offered this opportunity and look forward to working towards a Safer Healthcare System for all.
NCHI – Wigan England