NURSES from NHS Lothian have been praised for the support provided to Scottish Rugby international, Emma Wassel, during her health challenges earlier this season.
In recognition of the high-class care Emma received, five nurses from the cardiothoracic ward at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh were invited to deliver the match ball at Scotland’s victorious Six Nations match against Ireland on Saturday.
Speaking of their experience, Eilidh Wynne, senior charge nurse said: “It was such an honour for us to be asked to present the match ball – we got a big cheer from the crowd and felt like superstars.
“We were pitchside for the national anthem and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing. It really was such a special moment and it’s one we’ll remember forever.
“The whole team in ward 102 works incredibly hard and this is a reminder that we should all feel immensely proud of the work we’re doing day in day out.
“It’s always nice to see patients getting back to their norm and it was fantastic to see Emma looking so well – that’s really what makes the job worthwhile.”
The team presented the match ball and were treated to hospitality at the event at Hive Stadium Edinburgh, which drew over 6,000 spectators – the second largest crowd in the team’s history.
Emma Wassell, who is on the road to recovery after emergency surgery to remove a chest tumour, said: “It was really special to have some of the nurses that looked after me at our last home game of the Guinness Six Nations.
“A real full circle moment where they could get recognised for what they do when they are a big part of the reason that I can get back to what I do.
“I have nothing but gratitude for the care I received by all NHS staff while going through some personally tough circumstances – they really are there for you morning, noon and night.
“Whether it’s providing your medication, taking your blood samples, bringing you a coffee or simply allowing a constant stream of rugby players in to sit by my bedside.
“They made my time in hospital a whole lot easier and I am so glad we could give them some recognition, in what turned out to be a very special game.
“I have spoken a lot about my rugby family and one of the first nurses to introduce themselves to me was Kirsty Stewart – who was none other than one of my teammates, Alex’s mum.
“This was a huge level of comfort for me, and even though rugby wasn’t my main priority when I was in hospital, it was so nice to have someone that could truly understand how I was feeling around missing it.”
