Community nurses thanked for lifesaving actions

The heroic actions of Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust nurses have been praised by the man whose life they helped to save.

Members of the Trust’s Community Nursing team were attending a training session at Longton Rugby Club when they were alerted to a medical emergency involving Roy Walley, who was taking part in a walking football session.

Mr Walley had suffered a cardiac arrest and was unresponsive. The team acted swiftly to perform CPR and utilise a defibrillator, which was available on site to keep Mr Walley alive while an air ambulance was called.

He was flown to hospital where he had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator fitted, which can detect a life-threatening, rapid heartbeat and sends an electrical shock to the heart.

Following his recent discharge he is currently recuperating at home.

Mr Walley said: “I wouldn’t be here today without their speedy actions and I can’t thank them enough for everything they did for me that day. I’d also like to thank the air ambulance for everything they did. I’m very lucky to be here, and I’m looking forward to one day playing walking football again.”

Community Nurse Karen Stonier said: “This was a challenging situation as you might imagine, but both myself and colleagues put our training into practice, and I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we’re very thankful it worked out well.

“The rugby club having a defibrillator on site definitely helped to save Mr Walley’s life, and I thank their staff for acting so quickly.

“I’m so proud of everyone's collective efforts which enabled Mr Walley to be treated and sent home to recover to hopefully live a long and happy life.”

Liz Lockett, Chief Nurse and Director of Quality & Professional Leadership, added: “I’m enormously proud of our staff for acting swiftly and professionally in coming to the aid of Mr Walley. Their actions epitomise our Trust’s values and we wish Mr Walley and his family all the very best.”