"Care above and beyond in ICU"

In March 2023, I was admitted to Altnagelvin Hospital as an emergency patient, presenting with a massive bleed from a stomach ulcer .

This loss of blood caused a fall in blood pressure, which in turn prompted my kidneys to shut down .

So the medical staff were dealing with the following :

1. Gastrointestinal 

2. Cardiac

3. Renal 

In addition, I had previously endured a heart bypass ( CABG ) in Glasgow and had an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator inserted, so my medical status was complicated. 

The bleeding of the stomach ulcer was dealt with ( that’s another story ) and I was pushed thru’ the wards to the ICU where I was given acute dialysis and 6 units of blood , various other antibiotics and intravenous medications by the staff . 

At one stage I had 5 lines attached and felt like a pin cushion attacked by a hedgehog.

The ICU staff, medical, support and all were fast, efficient and friendly.

Insertion of lines were done first time , every time ….. a real gusher.

The regularly and frequently taken blood samples were avoided by having a dedicated line , this avoided multiple wee scratches on multiple times per day ……. efficiency.

With my intravenous bloods and ongoing dialysis, I felt soooooo cold.

The ICU staff noticed this without my complaining and magically plugged in a MISTRAL Air, hot air blower with attached blanket …. Problem solved before it was mentioned ….. Anticipation.

There were also so very many instances of required procedures and treatments which were grouped together so as to minimise discomfort and disturbance to the patient …… Planning and Preparation.

Every time one of the medical staff ( nursing or student ) arrived with a tray or trolley , it was well stocked and fully equipped with the necessary.

There was absolutely no case of ( oh’ I just need to get this, that or the other). …….. Medical Stores in the right place, at the right time.

During my stay of 6 nights and 7 days the ICU team allowed my wife June to visit uninterrupted as time was precious after her long drive from Omagh.

At the start of each visit, she received a comprehensive briefing with myself from my One to One medical and this was done in plain simple lay-man’s language ( no medical jargon or hospital slang ) . 

We were both given the chance to ask questions and they were always answered promptly…… Transparency.

On the occasion where the staff didn’t know , we weren’t bluffed off with a medical confidentiality catch all. Instead, at the next visit by the Doctors/ Consultants they answered my wife’s query, proving that the ICU staff not only listened but reacted to our needs …… Empathy at its best.

Towards the end of my ICU stay, I was escorted by a guard of nurses thru’ the corridors for a brief walk-about. This was to get me mobile, used to walking, regaining my balance, and also to see sunlight. 

At all times the ICU staff were so very positive and cheerful.

They positively radiated confidence and a can do attitude.

Even at times when I was spiralling downwards mentally and emotionally, the staff sat with me and reassured me that other patients had endured and thrived. The “one to one” care in the emotional desert saved me, thank you.

There is so much good to be said about Altnagelvin ICU.

I have no negative comments, complaints or recommendations.

The staff of particular note are Betty, Eldiho , and Stephanie who spoke up for me at one of those doctors meetings.

Thank you all for saving my life & soul.