AN YSBYTY Gwynedd nurse who made miracle recovery after a near fatal crash is repaying an "overwhelming" debt to the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Megan Morris, who started as a newly qualified nurse in Ysbyty Gwynedd in October 2019, never expected to deal with a global pandemic within the first six months of qualifying.

The 25-year-old was travelling home near Dolgellau eight years ago when she lost control of her car in bad weather. Due to her life-threatening injuries she was transferred to the Royal Stoke Major Trauma Centre.

She said: “Things looked very grim for a long time when I was in intensive care. It was a miracle in itself that I was still alive considering my injuries but there were many setbacks – my family were told even if I did regain consciousness, I would have lifelong disabilities due to the devastating head injuries I’d sustained. My parents started thinking of buying a house better adapted for a wheelchair.

“Doctors and nurses could only do their best for me, which they undoubtedly did. But a complete recovery and the fact I am now a nurse is nothing less than a miracle.

“Having gone through such a radical experience, I left hospital with an overwhelming sense of debt to the NHS."

After nearly seven weeks in Intensive Care, Ms Morris defied the odds and made a full recovery after spending over eight months in hospital.

Having gone through a life-changing experience, Ms Morris was determined to pursue a career as a nurse.

Ms Morris added: “When I went back to my studies after the accident I knew that I wanted to ‘give back’ to the service that had given me so much.

“Seeing as I have been a patient in the hospital bed myself, I’ve been given a unique standpoint which inspires me to provide others with the same level of care I received from some incredible nurses.

"Starting as a nurse in the Emergency Department where I was initially treated after my accident was very significant for me. In a way, it was a profound ‘full circle’ which only emphasised how far and miraculous my recovery has been."

“However, the last thing I considered happening during my career, let alone within the first year, was a global pandemic."

However, Ms Morris says that kind gestures to the NHS and Ysbyty Gwynedd’s Emergency Department during this time have been very much appreciated by herself and her colleagues.

“It’s lovely to see rainbows in windows far and wide that give a sense of respect and encouragement to us in the NHS – however, the truth of the matter is the NHS will always step-up to face the challenge and we will continue to deliver care in the most adverse of circumstances.

“My hope is that COVID-19 will drive a much needed change in the way the NHS is viewed. That it will be prioritised and protected from now on, as well as having the recognition and praise it has always deserved."