"Their commitment, compassion, gentle approach and professionalism is second to none"

My teenage daughter has numerous physical and mental disabilities. Since October she has been poorly and continued to deteriorate. I have taken her to my GP on numerous occasions and was given antibiotics etc., she had her blood tested by her consultant but I was told it was all clear.

I took her A&E at Antrim hospital but again my concerns were dismissed. Indeed they refused to take her blood or do an X-ray. I realise I had been with these people many times but they constantly gave me the impression that under their breath they were saying - not her again.

I recently had to take her back to the GP and I was allocated a locum doctor. What a stroke of luck because they had no preconceived ideas about my child. I was immediately referred to the Acorn Centre at Antrim Hospital and from that point people started to take my daughter seriously.

After many tests,  intravenous antibiotics, fluid lines etc my daughter was transferred to the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. There I was told that she was an extremely sick little girl. As I write this I have tears in my eyes because the doctors and nurses who treated my daughter could only be described as angels.

First and foremost they saw her as a sick child who needed treatment and not as a child with disabilities, as has been the case. They listened carefully to everything I said and everything I asked was answered with patience and compassion. Never once were my fears or concerns dismissed and never once was I made to feel like a mother who was overreacting.

I asked about various scans, X-rays, medication and if it could be done it was done and if it couldn’t the reasons were given to me in a way that I understood clearly. I honestly don’t have enough words in my vocabulary to praise them enough. Despite being understaffed and overworked they never once uttered an impatient word.

Their commitment, compassion, gentle approach and professionalism is second to none. When I did mention this to them their response was - but it’s our job.  Unfortunately, until this stay in Causeway Hospital, I have rarely seen this level of professionalism. I believe I owe my daughter’s life to the doctors and nurses on the children’s ward in this hospital.