“Working in the NHS is a great privilege” – how Chris is giving back after receiving care
At the age of just 48, Chris Bristol suffered a severe stroke.
Chris said: “I was on the way to work when I stepped out of my front door and woke up in Queen Alexandra (QA) Hospital in Portsmouth. The next thing I remember was being in a hospital bed with my clothes being cut off my body. I couldn’t talk, eat, and had lost full use of my left arm.
“I spent two months in hospital where I worked with various NHS professionals to learn how to speak, read and write. After returning home, I spent a further year living with carers who were helping me to live independently again. It was an incredibly hard time for me, and I struggled to remain positive as I didn’t see a future for myself.
“The next few years were spent navigating life after a stroke and adapting back to society. Once I felt I was able to, I attended college and gained a level 3 qualification in health and social care. Prior to my stroke, I worked in a specialist care home and knew I wanted to get back to caring for our local community."
Chris joined Solent NHS Trust in 2023 as a Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW), seven years after suffering the stroke.
He admitted: “I was scared at first to apply for the role in the NHS as I didn’t know if I could get the adaptions, I needed to do my job to its full potential. However, it’s been beautiful working in this environment. There’s no fear in not being listened to or not appreciated, the people I work with treat me like anyone else, it’s very inclusive.”
“Initially I found it difficult to retain some of the information I needed to effectively complete my roles and responsibilities. This was frustrating, and anxiety-inducing, as my speech could be affected which compounded the frustration.
“I attended the support worker induction where things finally started to make sense for me about my role.”
Angela Glassby, Associate Practice Educator, had been supporting staff with their eLearning. Angela was asked by Chris’s ward manager to provide guidance in transitioning Chris back into a work environment.
Angela revealed: “I’m very proud of Chris, he’s worked very hard and meticulously to get to where he is today. It’s been an incredibly inspirational journey, and whilst this has been a learning curve for the both of us, Chris has proven that, with the right support, there is a life after suffering a stroke.”
A number of support services are available for staff members at Solent, including:
- 7 staff networks
- Occupational Health
- Physiotherapy
- Equality, Diversity and Neurodivergent Advice (EDNA)
- Learning and development i.e., work hacks, Grammarly and Access Angel
Chris has reflected further, saying: “I’m so grateful for the support I have received from my managers and colleagues since starting at Solent. Conversations about adaptations can be hard, but it shows what is possible after being honest and transparent about your needs. Working in the NHS is a great privilege, and this role has allowed me to give back after the care I received.”
To learn more about opportunities at Solent, visit our careers page.