Episode 9: Chloe Hammond & Ocho

Tune in for a lively conversation with award-winning “wheelie nurse” Chloe Hammond, who, along with her equally-award-winning assistance dog Ocho, are making massive strides for inclusive change in UK healthcare.

Nurse Chloe and “Dogtor Ocho” are a sensation sweeping Great Britain, showing society and the healthcare system exactly what disabled nurses and their assistance dogs can do, and the value they bring to patients.

Listen in to learn about Chloe’s journey as a person living with Behçet’s disease, a rare inflammatory condition that affects multiple parts of the body – and how Ocho contributes to her life at work and at home. This truly dynamic duo are breaking healthcare barriers, and they do it with a whole lot of heart!

“I’m the only nurse in the UK at the minute who is still working clinically with a wheelchair and an assistance dog, which is amazing and frustrating at the same time. I’ve spoken at every event that I can to make health and social care a more accessible career pathway for people with disabilities.

There’s been so much time passed since I started making noise about this that feeling like nothing’s changed is the one of the most frustrating feelings ever. I’ve spoken to so many nurses who, once they became wheelchair users, were no longer as welcome in their position and they either got medically retired or they quit so that they didn’t.

It’s a hard position to be in because people with lived experience have so much more they can offer and that can bring such a different perspective to providing healthcare that we should be embracing it better.

Everybody says ‘oh it’s so inspiring to see you being a nurse!’
but it shouldn’t be just me.”
Chloe Hammond

About this Episode

Episode Title: Disabled Nurse & Service Dog: A Dynamic Duo Breaking Healthcare Barriers with Chloe Hammond and Ocho (S1E9)

Episode Summary: In this episode of Finding Avalon, host Jenna Barnable speaks with Chloe Hammond, a pioneering disabled nurse and disability advocate from the UK. Chloe shares her complex disability journey, including her diagnoses and the challenges she faced in accepting her identity.

She discusses the vital role of her assistance dog, Ocho, in her life and work, and the impact of ableism on her experiences as a nurse. Chloe also highlights her advocacy efforts to promote visibility and empowerment for disabled professionals, her recent achievements, and her aspirations for the future, including an exciting opportunity to perform with a choir at Carnegie Hall.

Takeaways

Chloe Hammond is a pioneering disabled nurse and advocate.
She was diagnosed with multiple rare conditions at age 15.
Chloe uses a wheelchair and has an assistance dog named Ocho.
Her advocacy focuses on visibility and empowerment for disabled professionals.
Chloe faced challenges in accepting her disabilities during university.
She emphasizes the importance of self-identification and validation.
Chloe’s experiences highlight the impact of ableism in healthcare.
She has received recognition for her work, including nominations for awards.
Chloe is excited about upcoming projects, including performing at Carnegie Hall.
She believes in the importance of being true to oneself and embracing one’s identity.

Listen to Episode 9 here

Episode 9: Chloe Hammond is available wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for supporting a disabled creator with a follow, share, comment and like! (INSERT LINK)