Name: Gemma Askey

Organisation:

Award Category: Healthcare Professional

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My Plea:

When I received the email to inform me I had been nominated for an award, I wondered if it had been a mistake. However, I then read the message included from Karen, who had made the nomination, and I was immediately overcome with emotion. Partly due to the fact that someone would be so kind to nominate me for such an award, but mainly because the Batt family, who have been through so much over the past few years, took the time to do so…

I am a GP in a busy surgery in Warrington and I hope that the care I have given to Karen, Phil and their family is what all patients receive when life is as challenging as theirs has been. If anyone has been inspirational, it has been the Batt’s for the courage and optimism they have demonstrated through such difficult times.

With the consent of Karen and Phil this is brief glimpse in to their story, and the tiny part I played in it all.

I met the Batts 4 years ago, initially because their daughter Martha had been unwell with an ongoing medical problem which required frequent hospital visits. Then in 2016 when Karen and Phil were only 22 weeks pregnant with their third child, Karen went in to preterm labour. They gave birth to a baby boy: George. Martha became a big sister and Stanley had a brother. Sadly, George only lived for a short time but long enough to meet his incredible Mummy and Daddy.

It is impossible to describe in detail how devastating George’s death was and still is for the family…
I was a small part in helping the Batts begin to process the immense grief that engulfed them. I met with Karen and Phil regularly, who were also supported by our local midwifery team and bereavement service. Collectively, we helped Stanley and Martha understand what had happened to their baby brother and , supported Karen and Phil in managing their grief.

Seven months later, Karen and Phil received news that offered some light at the end of a difficult period. They had become pregnant.
Despite this exciting news, they were worried. We discussed how frightened Karen was and what she could expect from the pregnancy. Then at 22 weeks Karen went in to preterm labour once more…

Betty was born at 23 weeks and has been astonishing from the second she arrived. Betty spent the first 13 months of her life in hospital, and a lot of this time in critical care.
She broke records at the Liverpool Women’s hospital and eventually was transferred to Alder Hey (both hospitals around 20 miles from home).

Over this time, Karen and Phil were back and forth day and night to the hospital, whilst trying to maintain normality for Stanley and Martha – who visited Betty when she was well enough.

Betty is now a feisty toddler. She has a number of medical problems secondary to her extreme prematurity. The Batts continue to juggle everyday life and frequent medical appointments with a smile, but as they say this is now their: ‘new normal’.

My part in the Batt’s story is tiny.

I listened whenever they needed me to; I made myself available to the family via phone and e-mail at any time (this also unashamedly meant that I got regular photo updates of Betty and her journey). I ensured the Batts were seen in my surgery when they could attend between their hospital visits and I hope I made them feel that they had all the time that they needed, when they needed it.

What Others Have Said

She is an amazing GP who we are very lucky to have had care for us. She gave us outstanding care and support and a level of empathy and understanding that meant we always had someone we could talk to throughout a very difficult few years. We will always be grateful to her for this and would love for her to be recognised.