Oswaldtwistle nurse pays tribute to colleagues who saved her life (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Oswaldtwistle nurse pays tribute to colleagues who saved her life

12:30pm Saturday 21st July 2012 in News

A NURSE has paid tribute to the colleagues who saved her life after she suffered a cardiac arrest while at work.

Tammy Neal, 33, collapsed while working a night shift at The Royal Bolton Hospital.

But Mrs Neal. from Oswaldtwistle, was in the right place at the right time as quick thinking colleagues rushed to give her life-saving resuscitation treatment.

Three staff nurses, as well as doctors and nurse practitioners, worked frantically to save her life.

Mrs Neal, who is married and mum to a six-year-old girl, had a heart and liver transplant in 1996, followed by another liver transplant in 2010.

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.

“The shift started all 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 then transferred to Newcastle, where her transplants had previously been carried out.

Doctors ran several tests but were unable to find a reason for her cardiac arrest earlier this month.

Chief nurse 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.”

Tammy, who has been a qualified nurse for 11 years, said: “I want to say a massive thank you to the team who saved my life, including Sandra Nutter, Katie Daquioag and Shine Siju, along with all the doctors and nurse practitioners.”

Dr Kevin Jones, who works with Mrs Neal, said Mrs Neal’s situation 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 send her all our love.”