"How my break to Belfast turned into 3 night hospital stay"

Myself and my wife had booked 3 nights in Belfast as it's almost 28 years since our last visit. We had read all the online reviews of the amazing pubs and restaurants and looked forward to exploring them.

We got the train from Dublin and arrived at the hotel in the early afternoon. We proceeded to buy our hop on hop off bus tickets which would allow us to explore the wonders of Belfast City.

We decided to have lunch, which was lovely I may add. But shortly after lunch I started to have stomach pain. We ended up in the beautiful pub right across the road from the hotel, but unfortunately I was starting to feel slightly worse. So we decided to return to our hotel room.

I'm not long over recent stomach surgery so I knew I needed medical assistance as the pain was getting more severe. Late at night the hotel booked a taxi to the hospital. The taxi driver was fantastic and made sure we knew exactly where to go when arriving at A&E.

I was triaged very quickly and moved to the Emergency waiting room, to my surprise my wife was allowed stay with me as this is not allowed in Dublin.

I was in the waiting area for 12 hours which compared to Dublin is quite quick. In the morning I was called by a doctor, I think his name was Ali (not sure) but he was fantastic and super professional, after he examined me it was decided I needed a CT scan.

Again the CT scan was prompt and all the people involved in doing it were so professional and respectful.

The surgical team were now involved as the CT showed an inflamed appendix, again the surgical doctor explained to me clearly what the plan was and when it was going to happen.

I was then moved to a trolley in a quieter area of A&E where I could get some sleep. The nurse who looked after me that night was caring and professional administering the medication prescribed with the minimum of fuss. As was said by the surgical team I was called for early the next morning.

All of the Surgical team put me at ease before surgery which was carried out by a Surgeon called Rosie.I was back in recovery by lunchtime, again I was treated with great care.

I was then placed on ward 6A, each and every person on this ward were wonderful, from the catering staff, Nurses and Doctors. My wife was allowed stay with me which was fantastic as we were far away from home.

The Operation was a complete success, now I'm back home safe and sound. We will most definitely return to such a wonderful City, but again your hospital is a credit to all who are involved in the running of it.