Samuel Paul Morley August 16th 2002 – June 12th 2004 Priorities for children with exceptional healthcare needs identified by parents • Introduction To Sam • Medical History • Support • Conclusions Introduction • Family Introduction Condition Menkes • mutation on the X-chromosome, • affects transport of copper into particular cells, • varying degrees of severity, • some parts of body affected more than others. Introduction Condition • • • • • • little normal brain activity, poor visual ability, fragile bones, low muscle tone, feeding, bladder, breathing difficulties, constant infections. Introduction Abilities • Good hearing, • Communicated using facial expressions, vocal sounds, head shaking and finger movements, • Engaged the affection of those around him. Medical History Birth – 10 months • Birth - special care unit, • Development - delayed, • Seizures - first noticed at 4½ months, • Feeding - gastrostomy at 9 months, • Distress/Pain - unknown cause. Medical History 10 – 17 months • Medication - 30 oral medications each day, • Feeding - jejenostomy, • Bladder - diverticular led to catheritisation, • Home - 15 weeks. Medical History 17- 22 months • Infections – major collapse, • Feeding - put on weight, • Respiratory - eventration, • Bladder - bladder stones and regular blocking of catheter, • Development - tiring more easily, showing less interest in play. Support • • • • • • General Practice CHAS Royal Blind School Bright Sparks Pharmacy Palliative Care Team • • • • • • Health Visitor Therapists Outreach Team Social Work Hospital Caloreigh Support Excellent Support • communication, • attention to detail, • availability, • compassion and understanding, • good advice. Conclusions The priority for Sam was to have the best quality of life possible. This involved • Medical needs met • Stimulation • Love I believe that Sam had the best quality of life when he was at home with his family but to be at home involved high level of support. The biggest difficulty for Sam was getting his medical needs met whether he was at home or in the hospital. Samuel Paul Morley August 16th 2002 – June 12th 2004