A MOTHER who didn’t know if her baby son would survive a rare liver condition has said she will be “forever grateful” to the nurse at Worcestershire Royal who treated him for more than a decade.

Maria Jenkins hailed nurse practitioner Mel Chippendale as “incredible” for the care she has given to her son James, now 12, who was born with biliary atresia, a rare disease of the liver and bile ducts that occurs in infants.

James had surgery at three months old, a procedure called Kasai, involving the removal of blocked bile ducts and gallbladder and replacing them with a segment of small intestine at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The operation bought James time to “grow and get strong” before a liver transplant at 11 months.

Mrs Jenkins, of Albany Terrace, Barbourne, said she first met Mrs Chippendale about 12-years-ago when her son attended regular check-ups at Worcestershire Royal.

“I didn’t know if he was going to live or die,” she said. “She was so kind and supportive. She just couldn’t do enough for me. She was incredible and kind and I don’t think I was very easy - it was a difficult time. As a mom, I was a mess. Mel’s dedication and commitment to making a difference not just to the children in her care, but having the empathy and knowledge to regain the trust of parents has been above and beyond anything I have experienced.”

The 49-year-old added: “It is actually amazing to see what a full and active life this happy young man leads and I am forever grateful to the people who have, and continue to ensure he is as well as he can be.

“Largely because of her commitment, my boy is a well-adjusted young man who has gone from the screaming baby having a blood test to saying ‘is it Mel today?’

“Trust has been regained, friendships have been formed and my boy complies with his healthcare regime.”

James lives with his mother Maria, father Rob, aged 50, and two sisters Lilly, 10, and Kate, aged 16.

A spokesman for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: “We’re pleased to hear that the Mrs Jenkins and her son had a positive experience in our care. All staff across our hospitals work exceptionally hard day in, day out to provide the best possible care to all our patients. We’re grateful for this feedback and will share her comments with our staff.”

They added: “Mel Chippendale has since left the Trust. We would like to thank Mel for her hard work and dedication during her time at the Trust and wish her all the best in the future.”