"My stay in Domnall ICC"

I had a fall at home and fractured my radial humerus. I received initial attention from the NI Ambulance Service. Sadly there was a substantial delay in the crew arrriving - 2 hours or so and there was further delay until another crew arrived with the kit to lift me off the floor. I was in considerable pain in my right (dominant arm) and also in my bottom from sitting on a concrete floor for several hours.. The crew members were very efficient and kind, putting me at my ease and administering gas and air to address my pain level.

On arrival at the A&E in the Ulster Hospital, I was moved to a cubical fairly quickly. I understand that initially I was thought to have dislocated my shoulder - the treatment for which is time critical. Following examination I was taken to X-ray which showed the fracture. I was given pain relief and following a debate about whether I needed surgery or not, the staff concluded that I ought to be put in a brace to immobilise the arm and shoulder. I was given sedation whilst this was fitted.. I was later moved to a transition ward and following a few hours there was moved to ward 6 in the inpatients unit. I was there for a few days and whilst the staff were attentive etc I felt a bit short on information about what to expect. During this time there was no reference to my fracture but ample pain relief etc.. I was then moved to a transition ward for another few days. It was made clear to me as I lived alone it would no be possible for be to be discharged to recover. I agreed to what I thought would be a short stay in a residential facility, and I was moved to Domnall.

Initially I was allocated a room on the first floor that has on-site access to physio and OT staff. I had monthly appointments with the fracture clinic which showed the fracture was healing slowly. It became apparent that my stay in Domnall would be much longer than originally thought. There was a limit to the intervention that the physios could perform as I remained non weight bearing for a long time. My experience of the Domnall staff was good. Occasionally at peak times such as staff handover it was frustrating having to buzz for attention longer than usual. Until I was able to go to the toilet on my own this was a challenge. I was also disconcerted by a very early in my stay conversation with the social worker to canvass my views on going home! Allowing the benefit of doubt I assume that the nature of the questioning was benign, but in my emotional state it seemed that I was being prepared for discharge when I was less than able to fend for myself. Fortunately this was not the case.

Clearly I was not going to be in a position to undertake active physio until my arm was weight bearing. Consequently I was moved downstairs where I became under the care of the Community Discharge Service. Physio Stuart and OT Andrew from the outset were thorough and attentive. They visited me weekly and both set me targets to improve. In addition to the aftermath of my fall, there were issues with my house that required to be sorted - clutter and a damaged floor all of which presented potential trip hazards to me. In addition to helping with my mobility, Andrew and Stuart patiently rehearsed with me what I needed to do to prepare for discharge. I was eventually cleared to be weight bearing in my arm and discharged from the care of the fracture clinic. In addition to the weekly visit, Stuart arranged for a physio assistant Erin to come and help me practise negotiating stairs and getting in and out of bed without assistance. I accompanied Andrew and Stuart on visits to my home to assess the progress made in safety proofing the premises and later made the arrangements for a package. Before I left Domnall Andrew and Stewart made sure the house was ok and that I had all the necessary contact information. The service I received from this CDT was first class.

I was discharged from Domnall after a 7-Month stay. For the most part, the service was good with some staff going above and beyond expectations.. Cara and her team have my grateful thanks for their efforts.