"An experience like no other"

This admission for my son filled me with dread, he previously was admitted to ward and had a massive bleed which was no-one's fault but as a parent walking back into the ward where it all happened was emotionally very triggering.

However, upon entrance to ward 1b (sharing with 1a) I was welcomed by a lovely CSW who noticed my son's distress and ushered us into a private space - amazing autism awareness.

I was very grateful for this support, she informed me she would go get his notes and return. Upon return she brought the senior charge nurse- Suzzie (who can I say is an asset to the NHS!)

Suzzie recognised us straight away from previous admission and offered us to come to the brand new sensory room for the duration of our stay. I initially declined the offer largely due to stress and being worried that this would distress my son, however Suzzie offered kindness and reassurance and this was the best experience ever!

All of the recommendations I'd given previously for the sensory room had been listened to and it was calm, clean, effective, spacious, exciting, colourful, entertaining and most importantly it was safe with a lovable door, large soft padded walls and flooring. I wish I knew the correct words to express how grateful I am to the wards for putting this in place.

In all previous admissions I normally end up with skin ripped open and large bites out of my arms due to my son's challenges, but for the first time ever I walked out of hospital unharmed. This experience was the exact definition of person centred care!

All staff where kind, caring, respectful, patient and treated not only my son but me to with the upmost dignity being a SEN parent experiences like this simply never happen but this time was different, and please Suzzie keep going! Don’t stop there!

You created an amazing experience not only for one wee boy but for a mum who desperately needed something to go right. We hope to not see you all again soon, but if we do we know we are in the bestest of hands!