A student midwife who once had a life-long fear of needles is inspiring her colleagues to sign up as blood donors, after conquering her phobia to pursue her dream job.
Lucie Shaw, a first-year midwifery student at Torbay and Devon NHS Foundation Trust, had to admit on her first day at work that she struggled with a fear of blood and needles before starting the course, but her determination to become a midwife pushed her to face her fears head on and she’s now using her experience to encourage others to do the same.
Lucie says: “I was very squeamish and would feel faint and numb if I ever saw a needle. I didn’t think I could stomach being a midwife due to my phobia, but I knew I had to face it head on if I wanted to be one.”
In a bold step, Lucie signed up to donate blood before starting her studies last September. She recalls: “I booked the appointment in the morning and turned up in a taxi because I was too scared to drive in case I fainted.”
That decision proved to be a turning point. Since starting her training, Lucie has witnessed first-hand the life-saving impact of blood transfusions and has become even more committed to midwifery and encouraging others to donate. Around a third of all blood donated in the UK is used in surgery and emergencies, including childbirth, emphasising just how important donation is to the lives of mums and babies.
She says: “I’m so glad I gave blood before I started my studies because it helped me to feel confident going into placement. On my first day I saw a woman having a blood transfusion and observed an emergency c-section, which was just incredible. It helped me to realise that blood isn’t something to be feared but is often something lifesaving. Donating blood is so vital to the NHS to ensure every patient across the hospital gets the treatment they need.
“I also realised that my focus was much more on the woman and how she was, and less on the worry surrounding blood.”
To support National Blood Week (08-14 June), Lucie has created a campaign to encourage her colleagues to sign up to donate blood and is keen to reassure others who may feel anxious.
“If I can do it, anyone can do it,” she says. “It takes about six minutes, and you get a biscuit and a nice drink at the end. I expected to be much more anxious, but everyone was so friendly and supportive.”
If you want to donate blood, you can find out more and book an appointment online at www.blood.co.uk
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