An Edinburgh woman was treated to a day out of her intensive care unit by nurses after spending months on a local ward.
Claire Vaughan has shared how she was over the moon when staff at the Western General were able to take her out to the Van Gogh Alive exhibit during her huge stay in hospital. A long-term patient in the ICU following a tracheostomy in March, Claire had told staff she was desperate to see the exhibit in the city centre as it reminded her of fond childhood memories.
The exhibition, which was in Edinburgh’s festival square for a limited time only, allowed art lovers to immerse themselves in Van Gogh’s super-scale masterpieces and absorb them from every angle, adding in sound and fragrance.
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Claire, who is a keen artist herself, said: “As soon as I saw the exhibition advertised on Facebook, I knew I wanted to see it.”
Having previously asked their patients of any dreams or goals for their stay, staff managed to ensure care for their other patients and took Claire for the special day out.
It was another opportunity for Claire to say ‘bonjour’ to her favourite Van Gogh painting, ‘Starry Night!’ which she saw in France with her Mum and Dad when she was younger.
She added, “I absolutely loved the exhibition, it was like another form of medication, it was great to get out of my hospital room and it really helped to change my outlook on being in hospital.”
Elizabeth Clark, Senior Charge Nurse, who was one of three staff who accompanied Claire said: “One of the most important parts of our care is recognising the person and what’s important to them. Claire loves art and loves to paint. As a team we prioritise what matters to our patients and their families and strive to deliver person centred care. We feel very fortunate that we are able to facilitate these types of excursions.”
During her stay in hospital, Claire alongside another patient, also enjoyed a TRNSMT party, swapping the calmness of quiet hour for the delight of a disco hour. The party included glow sticks, non-alcoholic Pimms and dancing.
Elizabeth added: “Having fun and being in intensive care don’t always go together, so it is brilliant to see a patient enjoying themselves, with a smile on their face. It gives patients like Claire hope that they will get back to all the things they love to do as soon as possible!”
Gillian McAuley, Nurse Director Acute services said: “Across NHS Lothian, patients are at the heart of everything we do. Knowing what matters and is important to them is a critical part of the care we provide. From simple things like how they like to have their tea, to their hopes and aspirations.
"While our services and our staff continue to be under significant pressure, the commitment and drive to support patients and to ensure they have a positive experience is as strong as ever. I am delighted that Claire had a such a memorable day out and would like to thank all the team for making it possible.”
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