Maisy’s Story
Maisy’s story below was developed by a local GP and is based on a real patient and represents a recognisable patient profile for the local area – both medically and socially.
Maisy had a rotten early life. Her father left home when she was two years old. Her mother then had several abusive partners before marrying an alcoholic who was sometimes violent. So Maisy left home at 17 and gave birth to three children in quick succession.
She worked in a local factory, but was made redundant twice and then moved into social housing in an area dogged by antisocial behaviour. On several occasions, Maisy was the target of abuse from local youths.
When her mother was diagnosed with dementia, Maisy stepped in to become her carer, receiving no help from her brothers. But this took its toll and by the time Maisy was in her late forties she had become anxious and withdrawn. Her debts mounted.
Her husband, with whom she has a strained relationship, also had serious health concerns, after suffering two heart attacks. Her own use of health services began to increase as she attended her GP, the local A&E, and some appointments at the hospital for diabetes and heart disease. Her depression was something she managed herself.
By the time she turned 60, Maisy was very overweight, experiencing high blood pressure and raised blood sugar levels. But she refused to give up her unhelpful coping mechanisms such as smoking, drinking heavily and occasionally taking her mother’s sleeping tablets. Her story continues.
Our organisation is dedicated to helping Maisy tackle the issues that underlie her ill health. Her story is one that is repeated in our clinics. She may become part of the premature mortality that characterises our population. Unless we change that, and change the use of acute healthcare through repeat attendance late in the onset of disease, we will not make our health system work
In addition to an improved patient experience, the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital will upgrade training and education facilities for clinical staff and boost jobs in the local area – not only in healthcare but also in work associated with the hospital development such as construction. The development would bring significant regenerative benefits to Smethwick and the wider area, especially with the possibility of spin-off developments within the health industry.
This flagship building will become the civic heart of the area and a point of pride for the community, helping to inspire new confidence in the area and attract major new public and private investment.