What Matters to You? A personal story
- Written by: Helen Chapman — Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust — Head of Integrated Community Care
- Published: 28th June 2022
Helen Chapman shares a story about her Dad's healthcare experience and the value of asking 'What Matters to You?'
In June 2020 my dad’s left hip dislocated (following a previous replacement) and had to be relocated under anaesthetic. Unfortunately, his hip continued to keep dislocating resulting in 5 further trips to theatre, all throughout the pandemic. My previously very active Dad became significantly frailer over this time, couldn’t leave the house and lived in fear of further dislocations.
Throughout this, his Orthopaedic Consultant took the time to listen to my Dad and my Mum and made decisions with them. When Dad told him that the robust (and very heavy) hip brace he had to wear 24/7 was not preventing further dislocations but was impacting on his quality of life and potentially putting his skin integrity at risk, they made a joint decision to stop its use. His consultant knew that my Dad was determined to reach his 90th Birthday and that Crown Green Bowling was his main hobby. In January 2022, when Dad’s hip could not be relocated under anaesthetic the Consultant performed a hip revision, returning from annual leave to undertake the surgery. Knowing the level of Dad’s frailty and the severity of the surgery the Consultant took the time to phone my Mum at home and explain the surgery to her (Covid restrictions had stopped us being able to visit). The Consultant had asked about and knew the support in place for Dad at home, and so less than a week after major surgery, Dad came home.
This photo is of Dad on the 5th June, 2022, celebrating his 90th Birthday and he is also back at his bowls club – this time as a scorer rather than a player! I sent this photo to Dad’s Consultant and he sent a lovely response, “the email not only brought a smile to my face but made my day…. I look forward to hearing back when he turns 100”.
‘What Matters to You’ for my Dad, his family and his Consultant.
End of document.
End of page.
You may also like:
Dementia Action Week highlighted some great resources and support for people living with dementia and their family, friends, and carers.
Continue readingSteven Mair gives us an insight into his role as a gamer at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
Continue readingSince 2009, ALISS has helped people find local health and wellbeing support. Any group, big or small, can add their information.
Continue readingThe new Scottish Government must turn promises into action to improve hospice and palliative care
Continue readingTogether, we can create lasting change for everyone living with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Continue readingFind out more about these digital self management tools and how to get in touch to arrange an information session.
Continue readingOur Chief Officer Sara Redmond addresses recent commentary on the relationship between Government and the Third Sector.
Continue readingCornell explores how we can build an environmental human rights-based culture
Continue readingLouise Coupland, Digital Health and Social Care Programme Manager shares her opinions on the national roll out of MyCare.scot.
Continue readingChris Mackie, Director of Digital, looks back at how ALISS has developed, grown, and innovated over time.
Continue readingCrohn’s and Colitis care in Scotland is at a pivotal moment. Urgent action is needed to tackle delays and poor access to vital services
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Lewis Shaw reflects on the importance of rehabilitation support.
Continue readingIsabella Goldie of Deafblind Scotland reflects on the value of partnership work.
Continue readingFind out more about the inaugural Power of Attorney Day taking place on 22 April 2026.
Continue readingDr Hannah Tweed reflects on 20 years of the Scottish Sensory Hub, the important work they do and why it matters.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, Kerry shares her reflections on how far the ALLIANCE has come, our achievements, and our impact.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on 20 years since Scotland moved to put children at the centre of policy.
Continue readingCancer care in Scotland is at a critical moment. Macmillan is calling for urgent action ahead of the parliamentary elections in May
Continue readingMhairi Campbell reflects on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) not being recognised as having a severe impact on life.
Continue readingLucy Mulvagh shares how she used the Centre for Public Policy Practice Fellowship to examine prevention and its barriers to implementation
Continue readingLaura from Perth and Kinross HSCP shares how we can celebrate World Social Work Day through the lens of 'What Matters To You?'.
Continue readingReflections on the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education) Bill
Continue readingLouise Hall from Pain Association Scotland reflects on the event she delivered as part of Self Management Week 2025.
Continue readingAct Now for Autistic Rights calls for a transformative Bill for autistic and neurodiverse communities
Continue readingIn the next decade, the role of digital in health and social care must embed our digital human rights principles to reduce inequalities.
Continue reading