Captain Corelli’s Mandolin author backs Broomfield Hospital’s St Andrew’s Burns & Plastics Appeal

When bestselling author Louis de Bernières suffered a burn injury in a bonfire accident earlier this year, he found himself receiving specialist treatment at Broomfield Hospital’s renowned St Andrew’s Centre for Burns and Plastics.

The Captain Corelli’s Mandolin author recently shared his experience in the Daily Mail, describing the intense pain of his injury and the expert care that supported his recovery. After his foot was badly burned in a bonfire incident, Louis initially felt managing his injury at home would be sufficient. Unfortunately, when it became infected several days later, he sought medical advice and was referred to the specialist burns unit at Broomfield Hospital, where he underwent skin graft surgery, and received ongoing treatment from the multidisciplinary team.

Reflecting on his experience, Louis praised the compassionate doctors, nurses and support staff who cared for him, describing the hospital as a “huge healing machine”. Having spent six days as an inpatient and attended regular follow-up appointments throughout his recovery, he described the aftercare as “faultless”.

Louis’ story shines a spotlight on the incredible and vital work carried out every day at the St Andrew’s Centre, a regional specialist hub providing expert burns care, plastic surgery and dermatology services across Essex and beyond. As a centre which supports patients through some of the most traumatic and life-changing moments of their lives, the teams’ care contributes to not only the physical, but the emotional scars left following serious injuries, cancer treatment and reconstructive procedures.

Inspired by the care he received, Louis is supporting Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity’s St Andrew’s Burns & Plastics Appeal, which aims to raise £250,000 to enhance the experience of patients and families using the centre. Further details of his support for the appeal will be announced in the coming months.

Funds raised will help create more comforting and welcoming treatment and waiting areas, provide overnight facilities for loved ones, introduce sensory and distraction resources for children, improve wayfinding and support future developments in specialist patient care.

By supporting the St Andrew’s Burns & Plastics Appeal, you can help ensure future patients and families benefit from even greater comfort, reassurance and support throughout their treatment and recovery journey.

Join us in supporting patients and families. Click here to find out more and donate to the St Andrew’s Burns & Plastics Appeal today.