Family heartache of Bishopbriggs chief nurse

Karen Goudie, chief nurse at University Hospital in Monklands, had to tell her shielding mum from a distance in the family garden.

The NHS Lanarkshire nurse said: “My mum lives in Cumbernauld and is 65.

“During Covid-19 lockdown procedures, she has received virtual appointments with her consultant, who has been outstanding.

“He called me to advise that it looked like Mum has lung cancer. It is currently quite small and is unlinked to her previous cancer. The consultant asked me if I felt it more appropriate for me to tell her or for him to tell her. I am very grateful that he gave me that option.”

Karen decided that the news would be best coming from her. However, because of her role in the hospital and because her mum was shielding, she was unable to go in to the house to tell her.

Karen said: “I couldn’t go into her house. I had to tell her at a distance in her garden. No one could hold her, which was heart breaking for us.

“I know this isn’t ideal. However, my mum is safest in her own home. I always feel like I am the fixer in the family, and I can’t fix this right now. So I feel helpless.

“However, you need to turn around the way you think in situations like this. We have been given a 12 week opportunity to help her.

“We can make sure she eats well and get her much fitter than she is now. We have the chance to give her a great start for her treatment.”

Karen has a message for everyone who is in a similar situation to her.

She said: “It has been touching to hear from other staff who are experiencing troubling times in their personal lives. We are all dedicated and all try to be so tough.

“You need to try to be strong for everyone, but especially for yourself. Use any delays in time to get you in a better place.

“Use this time as an opportunity to eat well and get a little fresh air. Although it can be difficult, you need to stay as positive as you can be.”

A spokesperson for NHS Lanarkshire said: “Healthcare staff across the country are at the frontline in the war against Covid-19, and many of them are also dealing with their own personal battles.

“Karen is leading on the plans to ensure patients at the hospital get the best possible care during these unprecedented times.”