Man, 20, begins journey home after 2 years in Hairmyres hospital

A 20-year-old Blantyre man who suffered a devastating head injury has begun his journey home from University Hospital Hairmyres after a two-year stay.

Patient Daniel Dixon was given two guards of honour as he left the hospital, with staff giving an emotional farewell.

Daniel was only 17-years-old when he was struck by a car while cycling in Hamilton, where he fought for his life in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.

He was then in both the ICU and ward 10 within East Kilbride's Hairmyres.

Daniel is now moving to the Briar Centre, the new Brain Injury Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre within Stonehouse Hospital where he is one of the very first patients, before he then moves into his own custom-built home early next year.

'Today feels like a new beginning'

His mum Debbie and dad Thomas have been visiting her son every day and reflected on an emotional moment in Daniel’s young life. Debbie said: “We never ever thought we would see the day Daniel could leave hospital. Today feels like a new beginning for Daniel.

“It is exciting to see him leave but also very nerve-wracking as he has been in Hairmyres for such a long time and we have got to know all the staff here. He has been cared for so well by everyone at the hospital.

“His aunt Geraldine works in Hairmyres ICU so she has been able to keep a close eye on him and his dad did the evening visits and read to him every night.

“It is amazing that this new centre in Stonehouse has opened up. It’s a great opportunity for Daniel. He is settling in great.

"It’s a wonderful unit with amazing staff who we’ve bonded with already. He will get all the right rehab and stimulation there before he then moves to his own specially adapted home in Hamilton.

“His home in Hamilton is only a ten-minute walk away so me, his dad, brother Christopher (17) and sister Amy (11) will be able to visit easily, not forgetting our dog Kylo.

“It’s been a long journey and I’ve been pushing for Daniel to have his own place as I didn’t want him in a care facility at 20 years old. If his care package is ready, then we hope to have Daniel in his new home in January.”

'There was a worry he might never leave'

Chris Kueh is a consultant in ward 10 but also covers the medical high-dependency unit so has been with Daniel throughout his journey at Hairmyres.

Chris said: “I’m pleased as there is a worry that patients with such injuries might never leave hospital. In the past, patients like Dan wouldn’t have been able to go to a community-based setting or off-site setting that is appropriate or able to meet his needs.

“I’ve known Dan since he was transferred over here two and a half years ago. Before moving to ward 10, he was in our high-dependency unit for some time, mainly for nursing care issues as Dan had a tracheostomy, a procedure to help air and oxygen reach his lungs.

“That tends to be a limiting factor in defining suitable placement for patients like Dan. It took a while before we could remove his tracheostomy, he was prone to developing infections and there were other issues regarding his nursing care. He has had seizures in the past which have now settled thanks to the good work from our neurology team.

“The builders have been working with his mum Debbie to try and get the necessary changes made to the house being built so it is suitable for Daniel. It will be a much nicer and far more stimulating environment than being in hospital.

“Dan has been a staple of the ward now for so long and we are all so fond of him. He is now in the best position he can be and ready to begin his journey home.”

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