"Nothing but confidence in the service"

I was recently admitted to Ward C3 in Antrim Area Hospital with appendicitis.  

I was examined and scanned in the EMSU. My CT results came back and I was promptly told the results and that I would require surgery. The whole process was so swift. I was examined my the consultant Mr Eltyeb who throughly examined my scans before making a final decision. I was then assessed by an anesthetist Dr Ford who elevated my anxieties regarding a general anesthetic.  

The staff in EMSU that day were so efficient and professional.

I was moved to ward C3 which is connected to EMSU to await surgery. This was outside normal visiting hours but the staff allowed my sister to come in and see me before I went to theatre. 

On movement to C3 I was greated by Sr Irvine who welcomed me to the ward with a smile and reassurance. 

I was promptly taken to theatre and woke up in recovery in quite a bit of pain. 

I did not have to ask for more analgesia , the staff picked up the ques themselves.  Thank you for that Benny and Mary Angela.

When I returned to C3 the post op care was meticulous. My obs were done on time every time. I had regular analgesia and when it came to tea time the staff made me toast and a large evening meal was unappealing at that time. 

The care until my discharge was quite frankly brilliant. As a staff member I was not only given outstanding care, I was also given privacy.  It is not easy to have your colleagues see you at your most vulnerable.  

I would like to thank Sr Irvine for being responsible for such an amazing team off staff in C3 and EMSU. I don't want to mention names of anyone else because I wouldn't want to miss anyone out, however I do feel that a special mention to Staff Nurse Michelle is necessary.  Michelle looked after me the evening I came back from theatre and the following day. For one of our more junior nurses to have to look after one of the senior staff I can imagine it is a daunting task but this lady handled it with confidence and compassion.  Thank you Michelle. 

As someone who works in healthcare, my experience as a patient has given me nothing but confidence in the service we are providing. Each and every one of us should be so proud.  Ultimately the goal we set to achieve is safe and effective care and timely care for ourselves, our families and our patients.  I personally feel that C3, EMSU, theatres and recovery at Antrim Area Hospital achieved this goal in my case. 

Thank you.