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Care Opinion

I’ve genuinely never felt as well cared for

Posted By Amcd

"I’ve genuinely never felt as well cared for"

About: Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Ambulatory Care Unit Northern Ireland Ambulance Service / Emergency ambulance response Rapid Response Teams / Rapid response team Derry/ Londonderry

(as a service user),

I attended ACU recently following referral from A&E with a possible blood clot following spinal surgery. Scans  were carried out within a day and ruled out a clot but the ACU carried out further bloods and tests over a period of a few days as I had headaches and a swollen leg. They admitted me to await an MRI as they were still investigating. Thanks to their thoroughness it was discovered I had a serious infection requiring emergency transfer to the Royal Victoria Hospital. I can’t speak highly enough of all the medical and nursing staff on ACU. 

The medical staff are all really nice guys who do their best for you. They were really exceptional to discover my issue as my symptoms were vague and could easily have been dismissed. They saved my life. The nurses also are exceptional on the ward. Each of them is very efficient, kind , caring and they make you feel cared for and listened to. There seems to be excellent communication between  all staff and they run an excellent professional service. As a former nurse, I was totally impressed on the whole ethos  of this ward and the exemplary, caring professionalism of all staff. This is a really valuable service and no doubt has transformed the care of many. 

I was transferred by 2 paramedics as a blue light emergency to Belfast. Steve looked after me really well on the transfer and both of the paramedics were again very caring and professional. 

After a number of weeks in Belfast I was discharged under the care of the team in the Royal home , to be also under the care of Rapid Response. I have to attend the hub daily for ongoing treatment and monitoring. This  fantastic service saved a further 6 week hospital stay and I will be eternally grateful for the fabulous care and treatment I have received. The teamwork, professionalism, kindness and clinical expertise of all the staff is what is truly inspiring in this difficult time for the overstretched  NHS. 

It enabled me although quite ill to be managed at home,  enhancing my care experience whilst no doubt also saving a lot of money for the NHS. Due to the diligence, expertise and professionalism of all staff I felt exceptionally well cared for and that my condition was being managed properly. Communication between all the team at all times is very evident and they also communicated frequently with specialists in Belfast to ensure care was managed appropriately.

This seems to be a very efficient service which provides exceptionally high standards of care. Like ACU, this is only made possible by the individuals working within it and they should be highly commended. Each of them is very kind, reassuring and empathetic and I’ve genuinely never felt as well cared for medically. 

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Responses

Response from Maggie Hamilton, Experience & Involvement Facilitator, Quality, Safety & Improvement, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service 4 months ago
Maggie Hamilton
Experience & Involvement Facilitator, Quality, Safety & Improvement,
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) Experience and Involvement Facilitator is responsible for developing and delivering high quality, effective services and processes for NIAS Service Users, Carers, their Advocates, the Public and NIAS Staff across Northern Ireland (NI) to facilitate and enable them to fully contribute to and participate in experience and involvement in relation to the NIAS.

Submitted on 20/12/2023 at 13:15
Published on Care Opinion at 13:15

picture of Maggie Hamilton

Good afternoon Amcd,

I would like to begin by thanking you for taking the time to share your experience of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. It was reassuring to learn that Steve looked after you so well on your transfer to Belfast and that both paramedics were so caring and professional. As an organisation we are committed to consistently show compassion, professionalism, and respect for the patients we care for.

I wish you the best with your recuperation.

Kind regards,

Maggie

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Response from Angela McDaid, Staff Nurse Rapid Response, PCOP, WHSCT 4 months ago
Angela McDaid
Staff Nurse Rapid Response, PCOP,
WHSCT

Submitted on 21/12/2023 at 09:36
Published on Care Opinion at 09:36

Hello A Mc D,

My Name is Angela Mc Daid, one of the staff nurses with Rapid Response Team, Gransha. Thank you so much for taking the time to write about your experience. We appreciate all feedback both positive and negative as it is a means of ensuring the service maintains its high standard.

We are delighted that you had such a positive experience with the team. It was our pleasure meeting and taking care of you. I will pass your kind comments on to the rest of the team.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Regards

Angela

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