"Routine & emergency care for my daughter"

My young daughter underwent elective surgery at Antrim Area hospital, the procedure went well and the care we received both from the ENT team and on A2 ward was great.

Unfortunately a week after the surgery my daughter experienced a post tonsillectomy haemorrhage, we rushed to A&E as she was declining and vomiting a lot of blood.

We were taken straight to resus where a Dr called Katherine (and several other drs) looked after my daughter and I can’t thank her enough, she was calm but quick, got a cannula in my daughter (which is not easy to do - many have struggled in the past) and got ENT and anaesthetics down to review my daughter.

It was a very traumatic time, we were both now covered in blood and my daughter was getting weaker and paler, but I felt reassured the whole time that the team were in control of the situation.

I wish I could remember our nurse's name, as she was so wonderful, she made sure I was ok and she didn’t leave my daughter's side, she got me a change of clothes and helped me understand what was happening - I will forever be grateful. 

ENT agreed she needed surgery and the blood would be brought up directly to theatre - everything moved quickly but without panic, a wonderful anaesthetist called Hannah met us in A&E and explained to us the next steps, including my daughter in the conversation in an appropriate manner - she was kind and understood my worries, answered my questions and didn’t rush.

Once in theatre the whole team made me and my daughter feel comfortable and even got a few laughs from her! 

I headed for the coffee station while my daughter was in theatre where Dr Katherine spotted me and asked if I was ok - just a simple gesture that showed me how much the staff really cared. They are run off their feet but she still made time to ask how I was, all while getting her very deserved coffee after dealing with a traumatised mother and daughter.

My daughter was successfully treated in theatre and moved to A2 where nurses Sarah & Rachel looked after us. They were wonderful, I wish I could repay them for everything they do. I also can’t forget the lovely porters who always had a smile and said well done to my scared daughter for being brave, it really is the little things.

The play coordinator on the ward helped calm my daughter with activities when tests had to be done, what a lovely addition to the ward, she chatted with me and made sure I was ok after everything - everyone went above and beyond. 

I know our health service isn’t perfect but they really stepped up when we needed them and I can’t thank them enough for everything, no one wants to be in these situations but I’m so grateful to all the staff that helped reassure us and looked after us so well, I hope you know how appreciated you are.