Waking up in the ICU can be a terrifying experience. You’re unsure of what’s happening, you don’t know what your chances of survival are and you’re possibly in pain. But, in addition to proper medical treatment, the kindness, extra care and consideration shown by staff can provide great ease. And this was the reality for one Arima nail technician at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital.
Sunday, May 24, was supposed to be a regular day for Yvette Francois. She had plans, including going to church at 10 am. But around 5 am, she woke up with “the worst headache (she) ever had.” “I just felt like something black went across (my face), like a big black tape crossed my head and that it was really, really bad.”
She went to the Arima Hospital but to no avail, and later tried Valley Medical Centre.
“And then I was (blacking) out and I just woke up at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital,” she recalled. Still not knowing what was happening, she said she began praying immediately. She had only ever been hospitalised after giving birth and for a hysterectomy, she explained.
A doctor then explained to her that she had two brain aneurysms and that she was in the ICU. “I said, ‘God, this is not my story. You are not finished with me. My work for you is not done, so I know I’m coming out of this.’ I knew I wasn’t going to die.”
Since patients in the ICU are not allowed to have any electronic devices, she said it could be daunting at times as “you have nothing to do but just watch everything around you.” And even as she faced severe pain, she could not help but “be amazed” by the friendliness and kindness of the unit’s staff. “They were genuinely nice people and you could tell by the way they treated each patient, not just me, that they really take pride in what they do.”
When she was experiencing some awful muscle spasms, one nurse came to her, closed the curtain and massaged her leg to provide some much-needed relief. “I was just sitting there thinking, ‘Wow. Who does that? This is going the extra mile.’” She continued, “Then another nurse came and she put her hand on my forehead (to pray). I could literally feel the love and healing passing through my body.” Other nurses offered to pray with and for her as well.
She remained there for ten days and praised the staff for being “amazing” and “encouraging” throughout, as their attitudes were refreshing.
“Even with patients who may have been a bit difficult or miserable, not once did I hear their tone change and their attitude never changed,” she added. “They really love helping people.”
Francois sincerely believes they deserve awards and recognition.
After her stay at the ICU, a nurse and doctor assisted in getting her to Southern Medical Clinic in San Fernando for surgery, then she returned to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital on Ward 17—a surgical ward. “They accompanied me back as well,” she added.
And although she was no longer in the ICU, the nurses from that unit still came to visit and check on her at the new ward. “And it would be on their own time, whenever they managed to get a break.”
“They really helped alleviate any fear and worry I had. And I continued to thank God because I know he also places the right people in my path. I am really grateful for them.”
Even after she was discharged three days later, she continued to show her gratitude. She posted a video on Facebook calling the staff “superheroes,” which now has over 100 likes and over 80 shares.
The North West Regional Health Authority, which the hospital falls under, also shared the video, adding that it appreciates the ICU team for “their continued commitment to patient-centred care and service excellence.” It added, “Your compassion, dedication and humanity continue to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families.”
Francois said some staff messaged her privately upon seeing the video to give their thanks as well, and she is eternally grateful.
