Chesterfield family backs hospital appeal after teen's life saved

Jael Rowles, 15, was a passenger in a car when it was hit head-on by another vehicle in Chesterfield in August 2019.

The collision left her unconscious with a severe traumatic brain injury, which was life-threatening for the teenager.

Jael’s family is backing The Children’s Hospital Charity’s appeal to build a new Emergency Department at Sheffield Children’s Hospital after the care she received saved her life.

Jael’s mum Priscilla said: “Jael was in the car with her uncle and cousins when they were hit. An ambulance arrived as well as a specialist air ambulance team.”

Jael was intubated, ventilated and sedated at the scene, before being rushed to the emergency department at Sheffield Children’s Hospital by ambulance.

Priscilla said: “Jael was rushed into hospital and around 20 staff were waiting to meet her as part of the emergency response.”

The teen spent more than 12 weeks receiving treatment.

She still currently has some difficulties with her balance, speech and hearing but continues to make strong progress in her rehabilitation and her family hope for a full recovery.

Mum Priscilla added: “We were constantly amazed by the care and dedication of the staff at Sheffield Children’s and the attention they paid to Jael. It is strange to say given the circumstances, but in the middle of such traumatic experiences we felt safe and even at home.

“We were treated with dignity and compassion and we were always listened to. At every stage, we were kept fully informed and the staff took time to ensure we were cared for as well as Jael.”

Jael’s family is now backing the £4.5million appeal to transform the emergency department.

For patients arriving by ambulance or helicopter, the expansion will create a larger resuscitation area.

Priscilla added: “We’re extremely grateful and the staff need new facilities to help provide the excellent care we’ve seen first-hand.”

Visit www.tchc.org.uk/donate.