Helping patients get the care they need
The Emergency Department (ED) Care Navigator supports patients by working with them to make positive changes in their lives.
Northern Ireland
The ED Care Navigator role was funded by NHS Charities Together.
At the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust Emergency Department (ED), there are some patients who are treated multiple times a month due to underlying issues such as substance misuse and trauma.
Whilst the ED staff do a fantastic job of treating the immediate medical emergency, they are unable to tackle these underlying issues. This is where ED Care Navigator Kathy steps in (pictured above right).
Since starting the role in July 2022, Kathy has helped over 160 individuals, including Brian.
We spoke to Brian about the difference Kathy has made. He said:
“If more people had access to people like Kathy, the world would be a much better place. Kathy has transformed my life and I’ll forever be in her debt.
“I have been homeless on two occasions in my life. When you’re homeless you feel invisible, isolated, and forgotten about. You lose your sense of self-worth and it’s hard to keep a positive headspace when you have to constantly think where you’re going to rest your head and when you might get your next meal.
“Being homeless caused me to suffer from COPD and severe asthma, which means I can end up in hospital weekly. I couldn’t receive regular treatment for my condition from a doctor because I had no address or documents, so my health has significantly deteriorated.
“On one of many hospital visits I happened to be introduced to Kathy and she has saved my life in every way possible. She is the brightest light in all this darkness and made me realise I can trust again, and that people do genuinely care.
“Kathy has done so much for me and fought my corner daily to make sure I was listened to. She is the best advocate anyone could ask for and because of her I now have a roof over my head, a place to call home and a friend I can truly count on.
“Kathy ensured that the accommodation she found for me was near a hospital so I could receive treatment more easily and closer to home. She has looked into everything and signposted me to other services to get extra support.
“I just feel truly blessed to have met Kathy and I am so fortunate for my life and everything I have in it.”
