An NHS worker found herself in the same trauma ward where she worked after sustaining severe injuries in a taxi accident. Chloe Boobier, aged 30 and from Acton, London, suffered multiple injuries, including a fractured spine, pelvis, and shoulder, when she was struck by a black cab outside Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading following a shift.
Having lost consciousness briefly, Chloe awoke on the orthopaedic and trauma ward of Royal Berkshire Hospital, where she served as a physiotherapist. Despite the unusual circumstance of being treated by her colleagues, she expressed gratitude for their care during her recovery.
Recounting the incident for the first time while launching Day One Trauma Support’s Christmas Appeal, Chloe revealed, “After a long shift, as I stepped onto a pedestrian crossing from the hospital, a black taxi hit me. The sequence of events is hazy to me – from lying on the ground to receiving morphine.”
In the midst of the COVID pandemic in 2021, with visitor restrictions in place, Chloe found solace in the presence of her coworkers and friends who supported her through her injuries. Her recovery journey included surgery on her shoulder, metal implants, spinal and pelvic fractures, elbow and wrist damage, ankle sprain, and numerous cuts and bruises.
Following her hospitalization and subsequent care by her mother in Bristol, Chloe faced uncertainties about her future, including the possibility of requiring mobility aids permanently. However, with the support of Day One Trauma Support, she gradually healed and returned to work as a physiotherapist at Charing Cross Hospital in London.
Chloe’s experience serves as a testament to the crucial role of organizations like Day One Trauma Support in aiding major trauma survivors. She now aims to run the London Marathon, inspired by her journey from dependency to independence. Through her story and the Christmas Appeal, Chloe hopes to raise awareness and funds for others in need of similar support.
The charity’s objective is to raise over £30,000 to ensure individuals facing life-altering injuries do not struggle alone during the holiday season. With a significant rise in demand for its services, Day One provides practical, emotional, and financial assistance to those affected by severe injuries through various avenues, including a national support line and Peer Support Volunteers.
Jen Murgatroyd, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Day One Trauma Support, emphasized the importance of donations to assist more individuals impacted by traumatic injuries during the holiday season. To contribute to the cause and learn more about Chloe’s journey, visit www.dayonetrauma.org/christmas.