Follow us: hu Improving life after brain injury Need to talk? 0808 800 2244 Donate Home About brain injury Individuals Brain injury and me Sue McIntyre Share your story Share your story with us to help others affected by brain injury Sue McIntyre If Alex the HATS nurse hadn't been there, I don't know what I would have done Alan Briggs was enjoying a Saturday motorcycle meet up with his friends in April 2017. But as the friends rode home, a car pulled out on a bend and crashed straight into him. He sustained a severe brain injury, a broken pelvis and 10 broken ribs. Part of his skull had to be removed because of the pressure on his brain. His partner Sue says if it wasn't for the support of Headway's Acute Trauma Support nurse, she doesn't know what she would have done. "When he came into hospital I was able to see him for a second and give him a kiss," said Sue. "I was tearful all day. It's quite difficult to see somebody you love look like that.” Over the weekend, Alex Power, the Headway Acute Trauma Support nurse based in the North West, introduced herself to Sue. Alex explained that her role involved providing emotional support and practical advice for families and carers in the early stages following brain injury. The pair met up once a week until Sue returned to work, after that they kept in touch over phone and by text. "I knew nothing about brain injury, it was way over my head," said Sue. "I didn't even realise how serious a brain injury was, I thought it was just a bang on the head and over time Alan would recover and be alright.” Sue said having Alex available to explain why certain things were happening was vital. Everything I didn't understand, Alex the HATS nurse would explain. Before the accident, Alex led an active life Alex Power, HATS nurse for the North West She never said 'it's going to be alright' because you can't say that. If I wanted her to come to meetings with me she would. "She made me feel better, calmer. She suggested I keep a diary. I've kept it from day one and I'm still writing it now. “I'm about to start on my third book. It's helpful because it's amazing what you can forget, the subtle things. I write them all down so I can see Alan's improvement over time. It's helping me and if Alan ever wanted to see it, it might help him.” As well as practical tips, Sue said she also received great emotional support from Alex. "One time when I was on the phone to her I had a panic attack," said Sue. "I've never suffered from anything like that but she was very, very good." Alex also supported Sue through difficult decisions regarding Alan's care, such as the possibility that he might have his treatment withdrawn. If Alex hadn't been there I don't know what I would have done. "I don't usually talk to people about my problems, I just plod on and cope on my own," said Sue. “It helped to have Alex there because she understood brain injury and could explain what the doctors were saying. “She gave me advice but she didn't tell me what to decide. Even just talking to her helped me to calm down and think." Once Alan was ready to be transferred from the Critical Care Unit to the High Dependency Unit, Alex took Sue to the new ward to make her feel more comfortable about the move. Alex also gave Sue the phone number for the Headway helpline, which Sue still calls if she ever needs support or guidance. Sue also started to use Headway's Health Unlocked page, a social network where people affected by brain injury can seek support and share advice. She also attends Headway Bradford in Shipley every Tuesday. Part of Alan's skull had to be removed because of the pressure on his brain Sue and Alan lived an active life before his accident At the end of March 2018, almost a year after his accident, Sue was thrilled to bring Alan home. She said: "It's such a huge relief to have him home. He's happy to be here. We're settling into a routine now. "I'm looking forward to him joining me at Headway Bradford too. They're friendly and I can ask questions and Alan will be able to take part in activities." These days, Sue needs less support from Alex, but she still keeps her updated on how Alan's progress. She said: "I know firsthand how important Alex's support is for people going through those first stages. There are other sources of support out there for Alan at this stage, but I don't know what I would have done without Alex in the beginning." Back to stories index Headway Acute Trauma Support Headway Acute Trauma Support (HATS) nurses provide vital assistance and support to families whose loved ones are in hospital following a brain injury. Find out more Supporting you From local groups or branches, our Emergency Fund, Brain Injury Identity Card, helpline and much more, find out how Headway can support you after brain injury. Find out more Friends of Headway Individual membership Join/Renew Contact Us t: 0115 924 0800 e: enquiries@headway.org.uk Help us improve life after brain injury. Donate Improving life after brain injury 0808 800 2244 Call our free helpline 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. Or email helpline@headway.org.uk Join our online Community 27k Likes 25k Followers 3k Subscribers Privacy policy Cookies Terms & Conditions Accessibility Contact Us Resource centre Find a Headway Approved care providers Charity shops Fundraising comments, feedback and complaints Vacancies Join our mailing list Headway - the brain injury association is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity no. 1025852) and the Office of the Scottish Regulator (Charity no. SC 039992). Headway is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England no. 2346893. © Copyright Headway 2021 - Site designed and developed by MEDIAmaker By clicking 'Accept All Cookies’ you agree to the storing of cookies on your device. This will help us to offer the best possible experience and develop more of the information you need. Accept All Cookies Cookies Settings