Southport health worker Aoife Waugh’s plea after being stabbed in heart
A Southport woman who was stabbed in the heart at work has miraculously pulled through after being given a five per cent chance of survival. Read her incredible journey to recovery.
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A Southport support worker stabbed in the heart at work has called for better protection of healthcare workers, revealing she may never fully recover from her injuries.
MMT Care worker Aoife Waugh, 21, underwent emergency open-heart surgery after she was stabbed in the heart and torso on August 17.
She was given only a five per cent chance of survival, but miraculously pulled through.
A Southport woman, 28, was charged with grievous bodily harm.
Ms Waugh has been on a slow recovery, suffering post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and unable to leave the house due to her severe injuries.
“The type of surgery I had - a sternotomy - was extremely hostile and intrusive, which has caused a roller-coaster of emotional, mental and physical ramifications that I was not prepared for,” she said.
“Physically, it is not yet known if I will make a full recovery.
“Often the only thing I have to look forward to is seeing my doctor, physio or psychologist for an appointment.
“My partner comes down on the weekend to get me out of the house. Though I struggle with the notion of leaving the safe space of my bedroom, because I’m scared to get hurt again.”
The emotional toll has left Ms Waugh questioning whether she will ever return to work in healthcare, prompting her plea for more support to those in the industry.
“Being on the frontlines can be scary, especially during the current health crisis,” the 21-year-old said.
“I would like to see more security in the hospitals and community for healthcare workers, as well as regular safety training and more policies put in place to protect the workers.”
One of the few freedoms Ms Waugh has to look forward to is the possibility of getting the all clear from doctors to be able to drive again.
Her sister Aine has started a fundraising campaign to buy a new car to help Ms Waugh regain her independence.
“Anyone who knows Aoife knows she is one of the kindest, caring people you will ever meet. Not to mention, funny and hard-working,” Aine said.
“I would love to be able to surprise Áoife with a new, safe car to reward her for being so strong and positive after this life-changing event.”
To donate to the GoFundMe page set up for Ms Waugh visit here.
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