"My 2 week stay in Daisy Hill Hospital"

While on a residential in Newry at end of January I developed a problem with my left knee. An old football injury suddenly caused massive swelling. I went to A&E where i was processed VERY quickly. Bloods, xrays and scans all carried out within a few hours. I was moved to a private side ward in A &E dept. The doctors then drained a lot of fluid from my knee and sent samples to lab for testing. I was told I would be admitted for 5 days of IV antibiotics. That evening i was transferred up to level 5 to continue my treatment.

After a few days the treatment plan was changed to 10days as the infection was so bad. They continued to check bloods, more xrays and an MRI. I was so impressed with their care and attention.

The 10 day treatment then changed to 14 days followed by transfer to my local hospital Lagan Valley in Lisburn, to the OPAT. I will continue the next 6 weeks of iv antibiotics at home.

I can’t praise all the staff in Daisy Hill enough. They were so kind and caring. Nothing was too much trouble for them. As my wife had such a distance to travel she didn’t get to visit very often but she was allowed onto ward at any time.

My Consultant Dr Kumar was so friendly and always smiling- even when delivering bad news.

The only thing I could say needs improved is number of staff. Nowhere near enough so staff have to work so hard. It’s not fair on them. They deserve so much more than they are paid.