Patient thanks hospital staff for saving her life

A patient decided to thank staff at Derriford Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for ‘saving her life’, by holding a charity disco at her local social club.

Victoria Whittley was rushed in to the ICU on 25 December 2015 with severe pneumonia, sepsis and toxic shock syndrome. “My family were told that I might not make it”, explains Victoria. “They honestly thought I was going to die. But the ICU quite literally saved my life.”

Not only did Victoria pull through, but, during her recovery, she became pregnant and in February 2017 gave birth to her second child, George.

“If it weren’t for the amazing staff at the ICU, I wouldn’t be here and of course neither would George. We have so much to be thankful for.”

Victoria was keen to do something to show her gratitude and so in August this year, she organised a disco and a raffle at the Saltash Social Club, raising £750. She visited the ICU team on Wednesday this week to present staff the cheque, accompanied by her parents and of course baby George.

“This is a really good reason to visit the ICU again”, adds Victoria. “It’s also really good therapy for me to be able to come back and see everyone again.”

Victoria hopes to continue to raise funds for the ICU and, in particular, she plans to take part in sporting events when she is fully recovered.

Tracey Greenaway, Senior Sister in Critical Care, said: “We just want to say thank you so much to Victoria for doing this. We’re just doing our jobs, so to get rewarded like this is really lovely.”