1782398872 (N) by Lu Spinney

1782398872 (N) by Lu Spinney

Author:Lu Spinney [Spinney, Lu]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atlantic Books
Published: 2016-03-10T22:40:34+00:00


V

The date is set for Miles’s move. The manager of Gael Lodge, Rachel, a former palliative care nurse, has been in touch with me to discuss Miles’s requirements. She is surprising and formidable. Extrovert, dyed blonde hair, a vibrant dress sense and exuberant jewellery, she is the type of whirlwind character who carries everyone along with her, sweeping away their problems in her wake. Underneath the colourful exterior I sense a serious, steady core and know that at last we have found a safe haven for Miles.

Rachel invites me to visit Gael Lodge before Miles arrives, to see his room and talk about his needs. The room is in the small high dependency ward and it is being freshly painted, as is the custom before a new arrival. I’m able to make a decision on the available furniture and can choose a chest of drawers rather than the tall wardrobe at present dominating the room. I’m introduced to Jana, the ward sister, a motherly, softly spoken woman whom I warm to.

On the day of Miles’s move I get there early. He arrives by ambulance, seated in the wheelchair that now belongs to him. It is one of the advantages of Putney that it has the expertise and facilities to customise the wheelchairs, in Miles’s case overseen by a remarkable inventor and engineer, Dr Steve Cousins, head of the Biomedical Engineering Services at the hospital. Talking to him helped me understand the importance of accommodating the complex seating and postural needs of TBI patients and I realise what a luxury it is to have this chair for Miles, perfectly customised for his particular disabilities. Despite the many disagreements and upsets during his time at Putney, I am aware that there were a lot of people who committed time and skill and great effort to his rehabilitation.

Today, in spite of the long journey from Putney, he appears relaxed and clearly alert. There is no doubt he is aware that he is somewhere new, and he is curious. As I look at him waiting expectantly in his chair while introductions are made, I realise that what I am seeing on his face is a new expression, it is one of hope, and suddenly I am filled with a misery so acute I feel faint. The innocence in his look, the innocence of his hope – I have betrayed him. With deep dread I think of the conversations I have had with him, telling him about Gael Lodge, how excellent it is, how here he will begin to recover. I have wanted to protect him from despair, from the knowledge that he will now live forever in a care home. Am I protecting only myself? How will he deal with the inevitable truth? How can I have let him down like this?

Unlike Putney, Gael Lodge is a care home and as such it lacks hospital facilities. There are a number of occasions when Miles is required to attend hospital for outpatient appointments, such as



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