Kerry hails amazing support group
Date of release: 3 February 2025
A woman who spent 76 days in intensive care paralysed with a rare condition has hailed an “amazing” support group for patients recovering from serious illness.
Jacqueline Burns (left) and Vicki Hartmann
Kerry Williams, 55, spent more than two months in intensive care after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a serious condition that affects the nerves, movement, breathing, and heartbeat.
Since her recovery, she has found invaluable support through the Critical Care Support Group hosted by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) at New Cross Hospital.
Kerry, who works as an Assistant Practitioner helping stroke patients in the community, has attended the group for almost three years.
The group is led by Vicki Hartmann, Senior Sister, and Jacqueline Burns, Sister, who have facilitated the Critical Care Follow-Up Clinic and Support Group since 2018.
The Critical Care Follow-Up Clinic runs once a month on a Wednesday, and the Support Group meets every other month on a Monday.
Kerry believes the group has been vital to her recovery.
“It’s a really good service and support network. Being with others who have had similar experiences really helps – you don’t realise how much you need it until you’re there,” she said.
The group offers mental health screening and support, which is crucial for patients who often experience flashbacks.
Kerry added: “The support reassured me I wasn’t alone, and through the group, I was referred to psychological services, including Wolverhampton Talking Therapies.”
Patients also find comfort in the emotional support offered at the group.
Kerry Williams (left) with Emily Veric-Davies, Advanced Practitioner, Speech and Language Therapy
“It’s hard to talk about what you’ve been through with loved ones because it’s also their trauma,” said Kerry.
“In the group, I know others understand, and it’s been incredibly helpful.”
A key part of the group’s support is providing patients with diaries detailing their experiences during their intensive care stay.
These help fill in gaps, especially for patients who have been sedated or experienced hallucinations.
Kerry found the diaries “fantastic” in making sense of her memories.
Vicki said: “Kerry had a long stay in the Integrated Critical Care Unit (ICCU) and it was traumatic at times for her, but she was always positive and upbeat.
“She’s found the support group really useful and has shared her story many times with fellow patients.
“This really helps because it makes other patients realise they’re not on their own with the feelings, and it normalises their experiences as well.
“She’s a really valuable member of the group who keeps coming back, and it’s a safe space.
“Patients have said they don’t like to burden other family with their stories because it seems like they are repeating themselves, but sometimes that’s what you need. At the support group, you can let it all out.”
Any former ICCU patients who would benefit from the support group should call 01902 694260 or 01902 695125.
ENDS
- For further information, please email tim.nash2@nhs.net
