"Experience Second-to-None"

I’d love to thank the team of staff that supported us recently with an incredibly stressful situation.

My daughter has ongoing health issues and her health has deteriorated over the last year. Recently we met a lovely paediatrician (Dr Nwokolo-Nwafor) at the Sick Kids Hospital who ordered numerous tests including a sleep study. I felt that she really listened to us and showed genuine concern for our wee one. The incredible nurses there did a fantastic job in supporting her through her tests (including a tricky time attempting to take blood). They still recognise her now and always ask how she is doing!

We then met the ENT that changed everything for us (Dr Montague). She suspected obstructive sleep apnea and significantly fast tracked our sleep study. We were then very fortunate to get a last minute cancellation, only weeks after our initial  ENT appointment. 

Our Sleep Study nurse (Debbie) was fantastic. She was lovely to chat to, but also made us feel safe and calm when our sleep study didn’t go according to plan. The results of the sleep study were quite shocking and frightening and meant the team were not sure we were safe to go home. The respiratory consultant (Dr Gahleitner) acted so quickly, liaising with ENT to arrange prompt surgery. He kept us in the loop, clearly explaining his decision making along the way. I got the sense that he was a strong advocate for my daughter and was informed that he is already looking into a repeat sleep study for us.

While awaiting the final decision, a lovely woman who ran the playroom looked after us. She was the first to acknowledge that the canteen would have to cater for my wee one’s complex food allergies, should we be staying longer. She noted the allergies and they contacted the canteen for me. Meanwhile she brought me food and kept an eye on my daughter to give me 5 minutes to eat! She knows exactly what stressed out parents need and shows kindness that helps to keep you sane!

On the day of the surgery I cannot begin to thank everyone who supported us. They are so skilled at preparing parents and children for surgery, making everyone feel calm and safe. This experience was incredible and I can say, without a doubt, that my wee one actually enjoyed the pre-theatre experience - giggling her head off right up to the second she was put under general anaesthetic.

The two ENTs (Dr Montague and the lovely Registrar) who chatted to me before and after were reassuring and I felt that we were in safe hands. The anaesthetists (Tessa/Ellie) had her giggling popping bubbles. Nurse Mhairi who hugged me as I left in tears. The staff at the HDU who looked after us - especially Ellie - who also managed to get me a room so that I could stay the night. 

This has been a bit of a whirlwind, but the staff at the hospital were exceptional. I am so impressed with the seamless multidisciplinary collaboration that ensured our child’s needs were addressed so quickly and smoothly. She is recovering well and the difference in her already becoming clear. I dread to think how much longer she might have had to struggle through without this amazing team of professionals in her corner.

The experience was second-to-none. Thank you so, so much.