My baby’s lifesavers inspired me to be a nurse
Hairdresser Ashley, 30, applies to retrain after seeing dedication of NHS
A bAby girl left fighting for her life after catching Covid at less than a week old has inspired a career change for her mum.
Esmee Hope Macleod was rushed to hospital in July 2021 by her worried parents, who spotted she was struggling to breathe. as well as having Covid-19, medics at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow discovered she had also developed pneumonia and lung disease. She later had surgery after it was discovered she had pyloric stenosis – a condition where the passage between the stomach and small bowel becomes narrower. after a five-week stay in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), the youngster was allowed home and is now a happy, cheeky toddler. But Esmee’s battle has inspired mum-of-one ashley McBride to hang up her hairdressing scissors and go back to college to study nursing. The 30-year-old, from Rutherglen, Glasgow, said: “Everyone in the PICU was beyond amazing. I had only given birth a few days prior, so they were making sure we were all looked after and had everything we needed.
“It was the height of the pandemic and Esmee’s symptoms were presenting as new to the teams there, especially in a one-week-old baby.
“They provided her the treatment she responded to and, when they were unsure, they called other hospitals to seek shared experiences.
“They did their homework to ensure she got the best approach. Even though we were terrified about what could happen to Esmee, we felt so safe in the PICU. The team made us so comfortable and it inspired me. I’m finalising my access course at South lanarkshire College and hope to secure a place at Glasgow Caledonian university.
“If I get in, I’ll hear shortly after where my nursing placement will be and I am crossing my fingers for the Royal Hospital for Children.
“When Esmee was in hospital, it felt like we were on a rollercoaster but, after the care she received, we’ve never looked back.
“She has been bouncing around, laughing, and thriving ever since. now, she is a cheeky toddler and loves life. We are so grateful to the full team involved in her care.”
Esmee’s dad Jamie is set to run the Edinburgh Marathon in May to raise funds for the hospital.
Mandy Meechan, chief nurse in paediatrics at the Royal Hospital for Children, said: “all our nursing teams, including those in PICU, work tirelessly to ensure children and their families receive the best care, so it is wonderful to hear feedback that their work has inspired a mum to become a nurse.
“We hope ashley keeps us posted on her nursing journey. We’re also delighted to hear that Esmee has been doing so well.”