David’s journey: personalised care after surgery with HomeLink Healthcare

David, 61, was referred to HomeLink Healthcare by the hospital’s virtual ward team after undergoing bowel surgery and having a stoma fitted. His care plan involved twice-weekly visits for specialised VAC therapy to help heal his wound.

David’s recovery process wasn’t always easy. Even before our first scheduled visit, an urgent appointment was needed due to David’s VAC dressing leaking. Throughout his treatment, David also experienced ongoing anxiety as he was still adjusting to life with a new stoma and recovering from major surgery. We stayed in close contact with him, addressing his concerns and providing reassurance during each stage of his treatment. Despite the challenges, David made excellent progress, with the team by his side every step of the way to answer questions and adapt his care as needed.

One of the challenges David faced was excessive fluid from the wound, which required us to be flexible with the days of his dressing changes to minimise discomfort and help the wound heal. Due to the close proximity of the wound to his stoma, maintaining a secure seal for his VAC dressing was also particularly challenging. However, frequent communication between David and the team ensured that we addressed any issues quickly and made adjustments as needed.

During one dressing change, David experienced increased pain and redness around his wound, making the procedure particularly uncomfortable. This incident was carefully reviewed with David and the clinical team to ensure the best approach moving forward. After about a month, we transitioned from VAC therapy to conventional dressings, with plans to refer him to the District Nurse. Excessive fluid from the wound continued to be a concern, so after ongoing discussions with the Tissue Viability Team, we tried a range of dressings until we found the best option for David’s comfort, wound care, and absorbency.

Throughout his treatment, David played an active role in his own recovery. He appreciated the communication from the HomeLink team and how we were able to adjust appointments to meet his needs. Despite his concerns and anxiety, David kept in regular contact with us, sending updates on his progress or sharing frustrations when things didn’t go as planned. This consistent communication helped us stay on top of his care, especially as our visits became less frequent, ensuring timely changes to his treatment when needed.

David’s wound healed well, and although he had hoped we could continue managing his dressings, it was agreed that his GP’s practice nurse would take over his care. David’s active involvement, combined with our flexible, patient-centred care, helped him recover in a relatively short time.

In his final message to the team, David wrote: “Thank you everybody for looking after me. You have been an incredible support and were so patient with me when I got anxious or distressed. Mentally as well as physically I am in a much better place than I was, thanks to you. Special mention must go to Elaine, who has been incredible, but it’s almost unfair to single out one person from the many who have helped so beautifully.”

David also sent a thank you card to his whole care team, expressing his gratitude for the support he received:

“To all the HomeLink team who looked after me so well over the last 10 weeks (and put up with my constant questions), thank you so, so much. You were so much more than nurses to me, and helped both of us through this awful time. I shall miss you all.”

David’s experience shows how personalised care, teamwork, and flexibility can make a big difference in recovery, helping patients feel supported both physically and emotionally.