Antoinette suffered a catastrophic brain injury following a road traffic accident in 2014. I first met Antoinette in 2015 when she was being cared for in an acute hospital setting. Over a period of time, I visited different acquired brain injury units with her sister. Finally after much research, Antoinette moved to Peamount Rehabilitation Hospital in 2018, to an acquired brain injury unit where her care needs are being met in a holistic and caring environment. The team is led by Dr Eugene Wallace, Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine and Clinical Nurse Manager, Ms George.
Antoinette had her tracheostomy removed in 2019 and she attended her nephew’s wedding in Dundalk and visited her family home. Unfortunately, her planned 40th Birthday celebrations in her home town had to be cancelled when Covid-19 restrictions were enforced. As I had already organised eye gaze technology, she was able to receive music therapy via eye gaze technology during Covid. In 2021, Antoinette eventually returned home again for her Dad’s 70th birthday supported by Peamount staff. It was a very emotional day for the family. A transition to home plan is being considered.
Thanks to Antoinette’s Family and Dr. Eugene Wallace for allowing me to publish this.
