Young double amputee thanks compassionate team at UHDB for helping him to get his life back
A young amputee who had both of his legs amputated after contracting sepsis has thanked the team at Royal Derby Hospital's Amputee Rehabilitation Centre, saying they have helped him to get his life back.
Levi Dewey, from Willington, was only 20 when he was admitted to hospital with flu-like symptoms and breathing difficulties. His condition then rapidly deteriorated and he was diagnosed with pneumococcal pneumonia and sepsis.
After being placed into an induced coma and on a ventilator to save his life, when he was brought out of the coma, he was told both of his legs would need to be amputated below the knee and he underwent the surgery two days before his 21st birthday.
Following his lifechanging surgery, he has been under the care of the team at the specialist Amputee Rehabilitation Centre, which is based at Royal Derby Hospital, including Senior Physiotherapist Ganor Venison and Prosthetist Clayton Smith, and attends regular physiotherapy appointments to help improve his fitness levels and support him to walk again with prosthetic limbs.
Physiotherapists play a key part in recovery and rehabilitation following amputation and Levi has described Ganor as an 'absoluter star' for helping him to rebuild his life.
Ganor first met Levi before his surgery and spoke with him and his family about what to expect, committing her support to help Levi through his recovery journey, working with several clinical teams to provide the most streamlined and tailored support.
Ganor said: "I met Levi and his family before he had his amputations, and I spent a lot of time talking to them, trying to negate any fears and anxieties they had. We discussed short term plans and expectations like getting home, whether he would be able to walk or drive and since then, we have seen a lot of ups and downs, but I feel privileged to be a part of his recovery."
Another key member of the team is Prosthetist Clayton Smith who is responsible for helping tailor make and personalise the prosthetic limbs for amputees like Levi.
He said: "Levi was a healthy young man before he fell ill, and he has to rebuild his strength and stamina. To do that he needs custom-made feet and prosthetics using materials like carbon fibre springs to help aid him in his recovery."
The Amputee Rehabilitation team wrap their support provide personalised support to help each patient achieve their own personal goals. High on Levi's list of things he wanted to achieve was returning to Pride Park to see his beloved Derby County Football Club play again.
Levi said: "Ganor has kept me going on the most difficult days and has helped me achieve so many personal goals, including helping me get back to Pride Park, which means so much. I will always be so grateful to her.
"I cannot thank Ganor and the team enough. The levels of care I have received and the people I have met during my treatment has been amazing. I love all the staff here to pieces - they have gone above and beyond for me."
Gaynor remains part of Levi's ongoing care and recovery, and says that being part of his journey has been a privilege: "I love my job and being able to make a difference to our patients. Working with Levi has been a journey, and he has already come so far. It is a pleasure to be a part of that and seeing what our patients can achieve after the most difficult circumstances is what makes my job so worthwhile."
In recognition of her commitment to her patients and her tireless efforts to provide exceptional care, Ganor was nominated for the Patient Hero Monthly Making a Difference Award by her colleague Karen Clark, Senior Specialist Physiotherapist.
In a surprise presentation, Ganor was joined by colleagues as she was presented with the award by Dr Arne Rose, Medical Director at UHDB, who said it is clear to see Ganor has a special relationship with her patients and is the driving force behind their recovery.
Dr Rose added: "You are there for patients when they need you most and you are at their side as they begin the road to recovery. While you may think you are just doing your job, the impact you are having on people's lives and your encouragement makes a significant difference.
"You embody the Trust's values of compassion and excellence and you really are a patient hero."