Salford Nursing fellow publishes wound care book for children

Debbie Bessell, an Adult Nursing Admissions Tutor, published the book, titled ‘Maya’s Magic Knee’ following her eight-year-old granddaughter, the book’s namesake, having a fall while playing with her siblings.  

“The story is based on a real moment when [Maya] fell in the park and cut her knee while playing with her brother and sister,” Debbie said. 

“I wanted to turn that little accident into something comforting and magical, which is how the ‘healing magic team’ in the book came to life – gentle wound-care wizards who help children understand the healing process in a reassuring, age-friendly way.” 

Debbie took it upon herself to fill the void of wound-care books for children, not only to help children to understand healing generally, but also as a personal mission to feel closer to her grandchildren. 

Debbie said, “My grandchildren live in South Wales, so writing this was also a way for me to feel present in their lives, even from a distance. 

“Coming from a tissue viability nursing and educational background, the process also made me realise how few wound-care books there are for children, which gave the project an even deeper sense of purpose. 

“I thoroughly enjoyed creating it.”