Cardiac arrest nurse saved by 'quick-thinking' colleagues

A NURSE has thanked colleagues who saved her life, after suffering a cardiac arrest while at work.

Tammy Neal, 33, who lives in Oswaldtwistle, had been fit and well before the incident happened during her night shift at the Royal Bolton Hospital earlier this month.

Fortunately Mrs Neal was in the right place at the right time - and quick thinking colleagues rushed to carry out CPR.

Three staff nurses along with doctors and nurse practitioners based on the Medical Assessment Unit worked frantically to bring her back to life, successfully resuscitating her.

The married mother to a six-year-old daughter had a complete heart and liver transplant in 1996, followed by another liver transplant in 2010.

After resting and recuperating in hospital, Mrs Neal has spoken of her ordeal. She said: “Saying thank you is never going to be nearly enough. It’s been really emotional because I realise just how close I was to death.”

Describing the moment leading up to the incident, she said: “The shift started fine. I was in the side ward at the time doing a job, but then I felt a bit dizzy. Then I felt faint and that’s the last thing I remember.

“I actually woke up and I was still on the floor of the side ward. They then moved me straight to the coronary care unit.”

Mrs Neal was transferred to Newcastle, where her previous transplants were undertaken. Doctors ran several tests but were unable to find a reason for her cardiac arrest.

Chief Nurse and Director of Patient Safety Dee Sissons said: “We are delighted and proud that we were able to come to the aid of one of our staff. We are happy to hear that she is recovering and send her our best wishes.”

 
Dr Kevin Jones, who works with Mrs Neal, said the emergency was indicative of the dedication of NHS and Royal Bolton Hospital staff.

He said: “We love what we do and will always go the extra mile.

“To think that Tammy would continue to work as a nurse despite her health problems, even to the stage where she should have a cardiac arrest, is astounding and humbling.

“We can’t wait to have her back and we send her all our love.”