Two community nurses from Bridgewater Community Healthcare began 2025 on a raft after flood waters blocked the Warrington home of a vulnerable patient they needed to visit.
Community nurses Michelle Hall and Suzanne Taylor were left worried and wondering what to do when a mass of waist-high water greeted them around the Bewsey area of Warrington on New Year’s Day.
Questioning how the pair would reach the patient’s home to deliver their care, Michelle and Suzanne spotted a nearby firefighter. Explaining their concern and urgency; both were quickly transported by raft.
Speaking about the experience, Michelle said: “We knew that we needed to get to the patient quickly, but safely. I would never have imagined at the start of my shift that I’d be travelling down a flooded road by raft.
“We would like to say a very big thank you to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service who were amazing.
Suzanne added: “Time was of the essence to deliver medication to the patient we were visiting. Thankfully all went well, but what a start to 2025. It will certainly be something I won’t forget in a hurry.”
As well as treating the patient with their urgent medication needed, Michelle and Suzanne also ensured they were warm, safe and had enough food until the flood waters subsided.
Nikhil Khashu, Joint Chief Executive Officer of Bridgewater Community Healthcare and Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals, said: “I’m sure this will be a New Year’s Day that both Michelle and Suzanne will remember for a long time.
“Their quick thinking really demonstrates the extent that our community teams will go to when delivering care away from our busy hospitals and into patient homes.
“I would like to thank them both for making the speedy, but safe decision to ask for help. A true example of our emergency service teams working together in what continues to be a very testing start to 2025 for us all.”
