During Community Services Week, Kerry Haycox, from Mansfield, shared her profound gratitude for the care she received from Gift Okeah, a Community Physiotherapist with Nottinghamshire Healthcare. Haycox suffered a severe fall last year, resulting in a complex tibial plateau fracture and a fractured right collar bone, both requiring surgery.
After seven weeks in hospital, Haycox returned home facing significant physical and emotional challenges. She described feeling frustrated, fearful, and uncertain about regaining mobility. It was during this difficult period that she met Okeah, who she states went 'above and beyond' her clinical role.
Haycox praised Okeah's patience, kindness, and unwavering belief in her recovery, particularly in helping her overcome the fear of navigating stairs again. "I genuinely believe that without Gift’s dedication and commitment, I would not be where I am today," Haycox stated, highlighting that she is now back at work, albeit from home due to ongoing limited mobility.
Okeah, based at Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Centre, expressed her commitment to helping Haycox regain independence. "Seeing a fellow healthcare colleague experience such a debilitating ordeal was difficult, but I remained optimistic about her recovery," Okeah said. "I am delighted that we progressed from being chair-bound to mobilising around her home..."
Amy Eagle, Care Group Director of Community Health and Specialist Services at Nottinghamshire Healthcare, commended Gift's support, stating, "Kerry’s story is a powerful example of the difference our community physiotherapy teams make to people’s lives." She added that Okeah's care extended beyond physical rehabilitation to rebuilding confidence and overcoming fears.
Physiotherapy support can be accessed via a GP or hospital referral.
