The Broomfield ICU Support Group was set up so that local people who have suffered from critical illness and have experience of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) can come together for help, guidance and support on their road to recovery.
Nurse Jo Eves, who helped set up the group, and patient Carla Shaw spoke to Nita Jhummu on Hospital Radio Chelmsford on 21st January about how it works and why this kind of support is appreciated and needed after the trauma of major illness or injury.
Carla spoke about her own experience, how recovery has been like putting a jigsaw back together, and how the regular meetings have helped, with talks from experts, as well as just having a place to share, listen and be listened to. Jo told our listeners how the initiative came about, how she and her nursing colleagues welcome all new and longstanding patients to the relaxed get-togethers, and how they include the ultimate relaxant and ice-breaker…cake!
You can hear Nita’s show, including the interview, using our "Catch Up" service via our website www.hrc.org.uk.
We were delighted to be involved in the much needed publicity for an important initiative such as this; and we are pleased to say that, coming soon, we will also be speaking on-air to the nurses and patients involved in the “Walnut Club”, a group set up to support those affected by prostate cancer.