Helen was one of 65 patients and relatives who attended a special celebration event with the James Cook critical care team at Leonardo Hotel on 28 June.
It was a chance for colleagues, relatives and patients to come together to reflect on the most challenging time of their lives, celebrate many success stories and remember those who were sadly not so lucky.
Jane Watson, senior sister from ICU 3 said: “The pandemic was such a historic period and I wanted these patients to know that we hadn’t forgotten about them.
“It was such an emotional roller-coaster for the staff and to see patients who had survived is amazing. It makes every second of hard work worthwhile.”
There was hardly a dry eye in the room as staff and patients shared the details of their own emotional journeys.
“You should all be so proud,” said Friarage nurse Helen, who was the first patient admitted into intensive care at James Cook. She said it was the little things such as a reassuring hand on her shoulder and a colleague plaiting her hair that really helped her through it.
“We have had such positive feedback from the patients who attended,” Jane added.
“They said it really helped them to hear other patients’ experiences as they no longer felt alone.”
