DMWS helps keep Lily’s family close by during her hospital stay

DMWS steps in and helps serving family remain close-by during hospital stay

Lily, safe and well following her stay at Addenbrookes Hospital.

Seeing your child critically ill is every parents worst nightmare, but the support received to aid our family accommodation during this time meant that we could concentrate on Lily’s recovery together, without any added travel or distance worries to add to an already challenging time.

Cpl Tomlinson

When Corporal Tomlinson’s daughter was moved from Ipswich Hospital to Addenbrooke’s paediatric intensive care unit, it was clear that additional support was needed for the family. Unfortunately, their youngest daughter Lily had contracted bacterial meningitis and required treatment 75 miles from the family home. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) contacted Luke Franks, of DMWS to ask for assistance in securing the family accommodation close to the hospital.

The 150 mile round trip from their home and posting location was proving too difficult for the family to manage. With no family close by for childcare support the added travel put a large strain on the young family especially at a time when they needed to focus on their daughter.

Within 20 minutes of the referral, DMWS were in contact with Cpl Tomlinson to assess his family’s needs. Luke initially communicated with the hospital staff to attempt to support with accommodation but unfortunately this was reviewed on a case by case basis and was not available on a long term basis.

Determined to help the family DMWS arranged accommodation for Cpl Tomlinson and his eldest daughter so they would be within one mile of the hospital and not be required to travel each day. This was initially funded by Cpl Tomlinson’s unit but later with the help of DMWS was fully funded by charity support.

This quick and concise intervention allowed the family to focus on one another while their daughter received vital treatment. DMWS were then on hand to provide any further welfare support as and when necessary and be alongside them through their journey.

This vital DMWS input allowed Cpl Tomlinson and his partner to focus on their daughters without having to worry about any external factors. DMWS are pleased to report that a week later the family were discharged home with community support and are settling back into happy family life.