I recently took my 10-year-old son for his first ever blood test and he was very anxious about it. My son is autistic and struggles with new things and people touching him.
Niamh was absolutely amazing with him, I had a blood test to be taken before my son and Niamh used this opportunity to talk through everything she was doing and try to put my son at ease.
When it was his turn he became upset as his anxiety became worse. Niamh put him at ease didn't rush him, spoke to him so calmly, and spoke him through every step of what she was doing, from putting the tourniquet on, feeling for a vein, and told him when the needle was in, to which he replied - Is that it already? That wasn't even sore. He was then able to relax a bit and even had a wee look at what was getting done.
I cannot thank Niamh enough for how patient she was and how well she supported my son by being calm and letting him feel in control, hopefully if he ever needs bloods done again, this experience will stick in his mind and he will not be as worried.
Niamh is a credit to the NHS, please pass on u huge thank you not only for her kindness and patience, but also for her fab dinosaur (crocodile 😉) sticker.
"Put my son at ease"
About: Motherwell Locality Support Service / Treatment Room Motherwell Locality Support Service Treatment Room ML1 1PA
Posted by MM13 (as ),
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