A new training suite at the QMC has opened thanks to the fundraising efforts of a mother in memory of her late daughter.
23-year-old Amy Duffield died from acute viral myocarditis, a disease marked by inflammation and damage to the heart, inspiring a four year fundraising campaign by her family and friends.
And mother Sharon, from Mapperley, joined staff this week to see the new Simulation Suite on the Critical Care Unit for the first time and to thank them for the care they gave to Amy.
Sharon said: “Amy was an absolutely fantastic girl, she was my best friend – we were like an old married couple.
“I’m so pleased and proud – I’m proud of Amy more than I’m proud of myself as she was such a fantastic character and now her legacy can live on.
“Initially we set a target of £63,000 to fund a new electrocardiograph machine for the unit but we ended up raising almost double this as with the help of Amy’s friends, a total of £120,000 was raised.
“The staff did over and above to try and save her and the new simulation suite will enhance the care provided by the team.”
The new Simulation Suite will provide learning and teaching opportunities for all Critical Care staff from across teams at both QMC and City Hospitals.
Dr Dan Harvey, the anaesthetic consultant who cared for Amy when she was admitted to hospital, said: “The creation of the simulation suite is a very fitting memorial.
“In keeping with the scale of the effort of money raised in memory of Amy, it will provide training for the whole team, because it is situated close to the clinical area allowing us to provide essential learning and development for staff and improve the care for patients.
“We are eternally grateful for everything Amy’s friends and family have done in fundraising for the suite which will support the Critical Care team and future teams.
“Their effort speaks volumes about the care they received and we are so grateful for all their support.”
Amy’s friends and family helped raise money for the Simulation Suite through a series of sponsored events including three New Year’s Day walks, a Kilimanjaro hike and local and international marathons.
As part of Amy’s lasting legacy Sharon has hosted two Charity Balls, with the proceeds donated to the Critical Care Unit, a moto neurone disease charity and horse riding for disadvantaged children.
Critical Care Unit consultant Steve Gill has carried out simulation teaching and training for the last three years at NUH and said: “In critical care we find ourselves having to manage life threatening illnesses quickly and effectively.
“For staff there isn’t an easy way of practising these skills on patients and the simulation suite will help us to recreate these scenarios in a safe environment.”
The new Simulation Suite cost £50,000, with the rest of the funds going towards a new ultrasound machine, as well as continuing training for staff and supplies for the suite.
