"Mater Hospital Belfast - where everyone takes the Initiative!"

I was sent to the Mater by my GP with suspected sepsis. On arrival at A&E got a blood test which confirmed serious cellulitis. IV antibiotics started and fluids administered in A&E.

Very busy, very courteous and very caring nurse arranged a bed and allowed my exhausted wife home. Witnessed doctors and nurses working tirelessly and on their feet, without break for hours. As another patient told them -  you’re  angels!. One patient was difficult and abusive - they were completely professional and  caring for him - without judgement. 

Next day I was boarded in a ward- ie a bed in corridor - where I had excellent care - additional work and above capacity  for Ward Staff. I wouldn’t have known!

Each nurse coming on duty introduced themselves by first name and told me that they were looking after me on that shift. I felt very well looked after and never an additional load on the dedicated staff! Like the rest of us - they have their problems and worries - but they spare them selves nothing in the care of their very many patients.

We keep hearing that the NHS is broken. Less than 4 days after leaving hospital being treated for a very serious infection I was able to attend a dear niece’s wedding in England. Thank-you - Mater Staff!

From what I could see Hospital staff were working way above their duty. Nurses having to stay for over an hour after their shift ends. They won’t abandon their  patients! A doctor responsible for 100 patients on a Sunday!  If we don’t start to appreciate our NHS staff and provide enough posts  - We’ll break them! It will then be a Humpty Dumpty! 

What a tragedy!