Neal’s dedication earns him a place as honorary member of critical care team

Every family likes to care for their loved one in hospital, but Neal Wallis proved so good at it that staff made him an honorary member of their team.

The 66 year old swung into action when wife Carol was admitted to the critical care unit at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.

She had been struggling to breath and, after showing little improvement, medics decided to sedate her to give her body time to recover.

Neal barely left her side, including spending one night on the unit, and was keen to do anything he could to support the staff looking after Carol. When she was moved to Fordwich ward last week, after more than a month in critical care, staff gathered in the corridor to wave goodbye and wish her well, and presented Neal with a special certificate.

Staff nurses Deb Obi and Ellie Dobson said: “Neal proved to be an amazing critical care assistant, so the nursing team decided to award him the certificate.

“He was always happy to help provide care for Carol and to learn about her treatment and how he could provide support.”

Neal, a retired dock worker and driver, said: “The medical teams saved Carol’s life and have been absolutely incredible. They looked after her brilliantly and explained everything, even when she was unconscious.

“It is going to be a very slow journey back to health, and I’m just glad to do anything to help, whether it’s getting her a pillow or a drink.

“I wouldn’t get involved in anything medical and there was no need because the staff did all that, but I could do the little things to help keep Carol comfortable.

“It was quite emotional when she left critical care, because she had been there so long, and it was lovely to see all the staff lining the corridor, and to receive the certificate.”

Carol, 67, needed a tracheostomy – a tube in her throat to help her breathe – which meant she was unable to speak when she was brought round from the sedation. She also developed an infection and needed a chest drain to remove fluid from around her lungs.

Initially she wasn’t able to move but she is now working with physiotherapists to regain her strength.

Carol, who used to work as a healthcare assistant, said: “I don’t remember much of my time in critical care but I did have some hallucinations, of things coming out of the lights, so it was quite frightening at times.

“It was reassuring to know Neal was there and to have him help care for me.”