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Talking all things surgical – 11 year old Taylor meets his idol who has operated on him for over 10 years
Eleven year old Taylor Lewis, from Ilkeston, has been inspired to become a surgeon after undergoing more than 90 procedures at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) since he contracted meningitis at the age of 8 months old.
In order to learn more about the role, he spent some time with Nottingham University Hospital’s Plastic Surgeon, Mr O’Boyle, and asked him about what it takes to become a surgeon.
Taylor said: “I just wanted to know more about the role and more about how to get into medicine and surgery, after having so many procedures myself it has made me want to be able to help other people who may be going through the same things as me.”
Taylor was just 8 months old when became ill at home in the morning on 20 April 2015 and sadly by the afternoon was in resus with a diagnosis of meningococcal septicaemia type W, which resulted in his hands and legs being amputated.
His Mum, Terri Lewis, 32 from Ilkeston said: “It was so scary and happened so fast, there were points where we were told to prepare for the worst, but Taylor battled through and the care and support we received from NUH was and has been brilliant, they are here for the whole family.”
Taylor spent 17 days in an induced coma before he gradually started to improve, but sadly needed his fingers, thumbs, toes and left leg amputated at the time and then had to have his other leg removed in 2018.
Even though Taylor has experienced these difficulties at such an early age, he is determined to use his experiences to help other people in the future.
Terri added: “I’m so proud of him, to say what he’s gone through in his life, he doesn’t let anything stop him and is always so determined. I’d like to thank Mr O'Boyle for taking the time to talk to Taylor and for giving him the confidence to pursue his dreams, as he said, with the right attitude, anything is possible!”
Mr O’Boyle, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Nottingham University Hospitals said: “It is always great to get the time to speak to patients, especially about their hopes and dreams for the future. We have come a long way in surgery these days and robotics is involved in many types of surgery, so as I said to Taylor, anything is possible and I wish him well and every success for the future.”