Louise Curtis: A Nurse's Story

From Sarah:

I decided to write Louise’s story to shine a light on the dedication of NHS staff, as well as some of the individuals in society who suffer, survive and live with terrible circumstances, and whose voices often go unheard.

I see A&E as a microcosm of society at large and a place where humanity is on display in all its forms. Within its walls, people experience emotions in extreme; there is care, chaos, beauty, destruction, compassion, love, hate, grief and so much more. I thought it would be the perfect place to set a story of how the coronavirus pandemic engulfed the country and its inhabitants, while also highlighting the deep inequality that is so rife in today’s world.

I hope I’ve done justice to Louise, as well as her colleagues and patients. It has been a daunting and humbling task, but one that I’ve loved taking on.

My first thank you must go to Louise, who allowed me to tell her story and has patiently answered all my questions and laid her life bare with such honesty. When I hear about her work, I’m reassured that there are people in this world who make it a better place.

Like Louise, I’d like to thank our agent Luigi, along with Hannah, and our editor Ingrid, Alice and the wider team at Macmillan. Thanks for taking a chance on us and backing us all the way.

This book wouldn’t have happened without Daniel Bunyard. Thank you for reaching out and being so kind. Your words encouraged me and gave me hope.

I worked full time reporting on the pandemic while writing this. I couldn’t have done it without the steadfast love and support of my family. My friends also held me up and encouraged me when I had moments of self-doubt. Special mentions must go to Becky and Mary. Thank you to all my other friends with whom I share such great memories, and who believe in me and are there for me at different times in my life. Lexie, Katie, Sarah, Anna, Aimee, Ben, Yamine, Katherine, James, Hala, Amy, Radhika… there are too many to name. I’m blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life.

Massive appreciation for Emma, who read my words and provided such great thoughts and feedback. Next time, don’t apologize so much!

Louise Curtisis an advanced clinical practitioner at an A&E in a major trauma centre. She is a nurse by background and has been working in the emergency department for eight years, both as a staff nurse and deputy sister. She has volunteered abroad in South Africa, Thailand, Uganda and Ethiopia, caring for disabled orphans, and HIV and trauma patients.

Sarah Johnsonhas been a journalist for twelve years, seven of them at the Guardian . She founded and edits the Blood, Sweat and Tears series, which features first-person accounts of working in and receiving healthcare. As a writer, she specializes in mental health and other aspects of healthcare in the UK and abroad.

First published 2020 by Pan Books

This electronic edition first published 2020 by Pan Books

an imprint of Pan Macmillan

The Smithson, 6 Briset Street, London EC1M 5NR

Associated companies throughout the world

www.panmacmillan.com

ISBN 978-1-5290-5894-9

Copyright © Louise Curtis and Sarah Johnson 2020

Cover Images © Getty Images, Design by Ami Smithson, Pan Macmillan Art Department

The right of Louise Curtis and Sarah Johnson to be identified as the authors of this work has been asserted by them in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

You may not copy, store, distribute, transmit, reproduce or otherwise make available this publication (or any part of it) in any form, or by any means (electronic, digital, optical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damage.

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

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