"Excellent Care, from Resuscitation to Discharge"

My father was rushed to Altnagelvin ED 3 weeks ago, after a seizure with pneumonia, and I cannot speak highly enough of the care he was given and the staff giving it, from the moment we got off the phone with 999 and handed over to paramedics, all the way through his discharge almost 2 weeks later. 

The first day in Resuscitation was hectic but full of efficient compassion - getting what needs done for so many people at once, my father included. We quickly became versed in reading vitals by his bedside, and the use of the Family Room was so instrumental in making our visits so much easier at a stressful time. Nursing staff were excellent, even in the heat of trauma cases coming in.

A young male Indian nurse really stood out as exceptional and I very much regret not getting his name to personally thank him here. The doctor who gave us the first frank talk was brilliant, even when it came to discussing the difficult concept of DNR. That knocked us all silent, and she was quick to reassure us every possible thing can and will be done. And evidently it was.

A day later, my father was moved to a more private ED cubicle, away from arriving trauma cases just across from the Family Room. It was so much warmer here for my father, without the trolley doors opening to admit new arrivals back in the trauma area. Great care around the clock was given here too. Some snippets of overheard conversations between staff was incredibly reassuring. I could tell each one of them was fighting to do their best for every patient, regardless of circumstances.

The only troublesome experience here was the manner of his being moved to a ward. It happened at 4am and he was still experiencing some confusion from the trauma, prior sedation, and general illness, so he didn't fully understand what was happening, alone. But I completely understand that once a bed opens up it must be taken at the first opportunity, and in hindsight we are glad of it.

Ward 22 now, and whilst we noted a startling improvement in facilities and comforts, the same excellent care persisted here. I say startling because I honestly wasn't expecting it to be so spacious and sleek and with a TV for the patients (I haven't stayed in a hospital my entire life).

The regularity of meal times was also a boon, as my father keeps himself to a tight schedule every day. Even just having a big clock on the wall opposite him was an important part of his wellness journey. His face brightened up with a smile when he was asked whether he wanted roast beef or chicken for dinner that first day.

Many tests later, the Senior Doctor arrived to talk about how treatment was going. Another reminder from him about DNR and the now dreaded phrase 'make comfortable' left us all with an ominous mood, but when I asked his opinion he smiled and said he would describe this man as stable.

Some days later we moved to Ward 26 for specific Respiratory focus and physio. Here I really have to make a special mention of Doctor Rhiannon Wells. Her long phone call to me about my father's day of admission, and his progress in general, was followed by meeting in person later that day, with a personable handshake and smiling eyes.

That she reminded all of us of my late sister felt like such a great sign, and was a blessing for my mother, but even without that bias there was such professionalism and attention to detail, with a bedside manner for my father that was flawless. I also have to say the OT staff helping him back on his feet were so lovely about it all.

We were soon talking about discharge and the home modifications we've already made. Before we knew it Pharmacy were in to bring his meds and DC letter so we could get him back home.

As someone who worked in a care home many years ago, this whole experience has made me desire to get back into care work in some capacity and reminded me of how rewarding it can be. 

Thank you so much, to everyone involved in my father's recovery.