Cancer survivor says nurse is hospital hero (From Daily Echo)

Cancer survivor says nurse is hospital hero

1:50pm Wednesday 9th January 2013 in News

A HAMPSHIRE granddad credits his victory over cancer to the “brilliant” care he received from a nurse who has inspired him to face his fears.

Daniel Fitzpatrick was devastated when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer and feared chemotherapy so much that he considered not going through with treatment.

But thankfully for the 57-year-old from Totton, nurse Donna Sharland took the time to explain the treatment and answer his questions, giving him the confidence to tackle chemotherapy.

Now 11-months on, Daniel is cancer-free and, inspired by his nurse from Southampton General Hospital, is planning an abseiling mission to say thank you, despite his fear of heights.

But while his plans are in the early stages, Daniel has nominated clinical nurse specialist in oesophageal and gastric cancer Donna Sharland for the Daily Echo’s Hospital Heroes Award.

He said: “If it wasn’t for her I don’t think I would have gone through with the chemotherapy and I wouldn’t have beaten this cancer.

“When I was first told that I would need chemotherapy, I was apprehensive and scared because I didn’t know what it all meant, but she sat down with me and explained everything, putting me at ease.

“She told me that she would always be at the end of the phone for me if I had any worries or questions and you can’t ask for more than that.

“She has just been amazing throughout my treatment and I just wanted to give something back.”

Daily Echo readers can nominate anyone employed by the trust which runs Southampton General Hospital, the Princess Anne Hospital and Countess Mountbatten House, as well as some services at the Royal South Hants Hospital.

Nurse Sharland said: “It is incredibly humbling that people take the time, when they have been through so much, to thank staff in such a public way.”