Reflections from Blackpool Paediatrics
If a picture speaks a thousand words, then this image tells us all we need to know about Year 3 student doctor James Ashton and his approach to patient care. Here, James reflects on what his time on the Paediatric ward, and his patient Amelia in particular, have taught him.
The Patient Experience team at Blackpool Teaching Hospital showcased their pride recently when they took to social media to share a photo of Amelia and Dr James, along with feedback from Amelia’s mother on the quality of care received.
‘Dr James’ is James Ashton, currently in his third year on the MBChB programme at Liverpool and was humbled to receive such praise.
Paediatrics encompasses many different arms of medicine. However, what’s unique about paediatrics is the child’s ability to cope with, adapt and overcome many, often disabling conditions for the majority of their lives.
I was lucky enough to meet one such child. Amelia suffers from Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, a condition which has taken hold of her life with annual hospital admissions and a chemistry set of drug prescriptions.
Over a few days at Blackpool, I made the trip to the end of the paediatric bay to experience the doctor’s attempt at finding the cause of her seizures. From excruciating lumbar punctures to EEGs, the doctor’s ammunition was ready and waiting to catch a glimpse of this surreptitious cause.
Throughout all of this, alongside immersing myself in important teaching, I was to provide a much-needed outlet for this child away from the constant barrage of blood tests and hospital monitors.
To finally see her bed empty was not only heart-warming but thought-provoking; this child is bridging the gap between clinical care and cutting-edge developments in modern science, to be a part of it was a true privilege.
Congratulations James on this recognition of your commitment to going above and beyond for your patients. Under your guidance, it’s looking like we could be welcoming Amelia to our programme a few years from now.