"Compliment of care"

We as a family wish to commend and thank the staff of the Emergency department and Castle Mey ward for their care and compassion shown to my son and his Service dog. We had travelled to Scotland for a three day trip and unfortunately our son became unwell only 4 hours after arriving. He is autistic and finds hospitals a very stressful environment. However from the moment we registered with the reception everyone was so lovely. We met Emma the triage nurse who put him at ease instantly. Often when we our in public with our service dog, people try to distract and pet him, however the staff were extremely professional in not distracting him and identified that he was there to do a job. Of course when he was asleep I allowed his dog to meet the staff. Which I think brought joy also to their shifts as it did to him with all the cuddles he got. The nurses in ED I felt were very aware of our sons needs in case of sensory regulation. Asking if the lights were too bright for him, or what drinks he would like even to the temperature of the room and keeping noises to a minimum near his bed side. 

Our transition of care was very thorough and effortless. We were admitted to Castle Mey ward around half three in the morning. Where again we were greeted with such kindness. The staff had a bed ready made for me and also a soft cushion bed and water bowl ready for our dog. They went the extra mile and it helped me not to become strained in making sure they were both ok. 

Our sons diet is very limited and this was accommodated for very well. I had great trust in the nursing/caring staff to be able to leave our son with them to allow our dog have a toilet break and fresh air. Our son really enjoyed when a nurse read him a book while I was off the ward. 

The hospital environment was immaculate and the female cleaner on duty was very pleasant and enjoyable to chat with not just with me but also in her engagement with my child. I work in the Irish health services and also have a background as a band 5 ED nurse. From my experiences this has been the most wonderful hospital for my child to be cared for in. He is on the mend at home having gp follow ups and now enjoying his summer holidays. 

All that's left to say is thank you one and all for making our time in your hospital as wonderful as it was.