Hospice inspires bereaved mum to become nurse
Katy MillerA bereaved mother has said the "heartwarming" support of a children's hospice inspired her to become a nurse.
Oscar, the son of Katy Miller from Barnsley, died an hour after he was born in 2020.
Miller was allowed to take him home as part of the support provided by the Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice based in Rotherham.
She now works on the surgical assessment ward at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, and said the care she received had "set the foundation for the kind of nurse I want to be".
Miller said she would not forget the empathy shown by the people at Bluebell Wood.
"Its staff were waiting for us at home when we returned from hospital with all the equipment set up," she said.
"It was such a painful time, but so heartwarming and reassuring to have them on hand as soon as we arrived.
"Without that support, there's no way we could have brought him home."
KATY MILLERThe hospice provided a temperature-controlled bed, known as a cold cot, for Oscar.
It allowed the family to grieve with him privately for three days.
It meant his sisters, Maeva and Emmy, were able to spend time with him, and the wider family were able to say their goodbyes.
Sarah Duffy, head of family support at Bluebell Wood, said: "Katy's strength, resilience and determination to retrain and give back to her community in Oscar's memory are truly inspiring.
"Katy should feel immensely proud of all she has achieved and her courage and commitment are making a real and meaningful difference."
Reflecting on her new career, Miller said: "Nursing is my baby now, and that's what I'm holding with me every single day."
She said the loss of Oscar had made her "more aware of the emotional impact behind clinical situations".
"It showed me what truly compassionate care looks like and sets the foundation for the kind of nurse I want to be," she said.
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