Ashley McBride (30) from Glasgow worked as a hairdresser when she was pregnant with her daughter, Esmee Hope Macleod (2), however, when Esmee was admitted to paediatric intensive care, Ashley’s career path took an immediate turn.
Inspired by Esmee’s journey and the care that she received at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), Glasgow, Ashley is now studying nursing with plans to qualify with a certificate in Nursing Studies (Child).
Esmee was born on the 29th of July 2021, in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being first time parents, Ashley and Jamie’s instincts told them immediately that something wasn’t right with their daughter as it appeared that she struggled to breathe.
Her parents took her to the RHC, Glasgow and explained that they were concerned something was wrong with Esmee.
Following checks, doctors confirmed with Ashley and Jamie that their instincts were right and that Esmee was having breathing difficulties. Doctors explained that she had Covid-19, Pneumonia, and lung disease. At that point Esmee was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
Ashley explained how they felt when their daughter was in the hospital’s care.
“Everyone in the PICU was beyond amazing. I had only given birth a few days prior, so they were making sure that we were all looked after and had everything we needed. It was the height of the pandemic, and Esmee’s symptoms were presenting as new to the teams there, especially in a one week old baby. They provided her the treatment that she responded to and, when they were unsure, they called other hospitals to seek shared experiences. They done their homework to ensure she got the best approach,” she said.
Esmee then had an operation as it was diagnosed that she had pyloric stenosis, a condition where the passage between the stomach and small bowel becomes narrower. This meant a further five weeks in hospital while she recovered before then leaving hospital at the end of August 2021.
Once Ashley had time to come up for air and Esmee was back to full health, she decided that she was so inspired by her daughter’s time in the PICU, that she wanted to train to be a nurse just like the RHC team that cared for her family. She explained why she made this change.
“Even though we were terrified about what could happen to Esmee, we felt so safe in the PICU. The team made us so comfortable, and it inspired me. I’m finalising my access course at South Lanarkshire College right now and hope to secure a place at Glasgow Caledonian University. If I get in, I’ll hear shortly after where my nursing placement will be, and I am crossing my fingers for the RHC.
“When Esmee was in hospital, it felt like we were on a rollercoaster but, after the care that she received, we’ve never looked back. She has been bouncing around, laughing, and thriving ever since. Now, she is a cheeky toddler and loves life. We are so grateful to the full team involved in her care. In fact, Jamie is running the Edinburgh Half Marathon in May to raise funds for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity to give back in his own way too,” she said.
Mandy Meechan, Chief Nurse, Paediatrics at the RHC, Glasgow was delighted to hear that the team had inspired Ashley.
“All of our nursing teams, including those in PICU work tirelessly to ensure that children and their families receive the best care, so it is wonderful to hear feedback that their work has inspired a mum to become a nurse. We hope that Ashley keeps us posted on her nursing journey. We’re also delighted to hear that Esmee has been doing so well since she was in hospital and loved to see the pics of her smiling with her family,” she said.
Ashley and Jamie have set up a donation page for his half marathon run. Donate here: Ashley McBride is fundraising for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity (justgiving.com)
