L, a young girl living with physical disabilities and multiple health needs, requires 24/7 care, including oxygen support and catheterisation. When L started school at Cheltenham, her mother had to be present because the staff couldn’t support her needs, significantly impacting L’s independence and family life.
From January to June 2023, Nurseline Community Services provided a Registered General Nurse (RGN) to support L during school hours. This support enabled L to attend school full-time and participate in activities like swimming, significantly reducing emergency hospital admissions. The dedicated care positively impacted L’s well-being and enabled her mother to return to work and care for her baby brother. This brought more independence and fulfilment for L and her family.
The Story
L was born with a range of physical disabilities and health needs, including spina bifida, hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation type II, focal seizures, apnoeic seizures, and a neuropathic bladder. She requires continuous 24/7 oxygen support and catheterisation and uses a wheelchair for mobility.
Despite these challenges, L enjoyed a happy family life with her parents and four siblings.
When L turned five, she was offered a place at Bettridge School in Cheltenham, which specialises in supporting children who require additional support. However, the staff was not fully trained to meet L’s specific physical care needs. She could only attend a few days a week and always needed her mother by her side, which impacted her independence at school. This had a huge impact on the family dynamic, as her mother had to arrangechildcare for L’s baby brother so she could be at school with L, preventing her from returning to work after maternity leave.
The Approach
Nurseline Community Services was commissioned to support L during her school hours. An RGN was assigned to provide 1:1 support, allowing her mother to return to her regular family duties and work. Recognising that L required complex care, a skilled RGN with extensive knowledge in oxygen administration, catheter care, and seizure management was chosen.
The nurse possessed all of the necessary technical skills and a nurturing attitude. Her compassionate approach was precisely what L needed to feel secure and at ease in a school environment away from her mother.
Before starting, the nurse visited L’s home to meet the family and complete a detailed assessment. This step was essential for understanding L’s specific needs and preferences and building trust with the whole family.
The nurse then met with Bettridge School’s Deputy Head to assess the premises and introduce herself to the staff. This visit ensured that everyone involved in L’s care was on the same page and allowed the nurse to become familiar with the environment.
The Result
With the dedicated support of the RGN from January to June 2023, L’s well-being and school experience improved dramatically. Within the first four weeks, L’s mother gained the confidence to entrust her daughter’s care to the nurse, allowing L to attend school full-time. This positive change enabled L’s mother to return to work and care for L’s baby brother at home, knowing that her daughter was safe and well-supported at school.
L had previously been unable to participate in swimming lessons due to the risk of seizures. With careful planning and supervision by the RGN, L was able to join her classmates in the pool, significantly enhancing her social experience and enjoyment of school.
One of the most meaningful changes was in L’s health management. The nurse’s ability to predict and manage L’s seizure triggers meant that emergency hospital admissions became unnecessary. By the end of the support period, L hadn’t had a single hospitalisation for several months. This recent stability in her health allowed L to thrive in the classroom, free from the constant disruption and fear of sudden health crises, making her school experience much more fulfilling. Additionally, support was given to staff to help them precisely support L’s needs, ensuring she continued to receive the necessary care and encouragement.
With compassionate care and expertise, disability is not seen as a barrier, and change must come from society to help people live their best quality of life. By providing L with holistic care, she can participate fully in her education and social activities, ultimately leading to a more independent and fulfilling life for her and her family.
