"Super staff"

I attended causeway ED with severe abdominal pain and vomiting and although I looked well I was in absolute agony and other staff said I had to just wait in the waiting area 

- however Nurse Anne was an absolute gem and took me seriously getting me a trolley and some pain relief which was badly needed - and thank goodness as my appendix had perforated and I had a nasty infection and needed emergency surgery. Anne kept on top of my pain relief as well as checking on me to keep me sane!

I will always always be grateful for Anne’s amazing care (she also got me cannulated when others couldn’t!)

Unfortunately due to the pain and how fast everything happened I cannot remember the theatre doctors and nurses names but they were all incredible and got me sorted so fast - they explained everything thoroughly and kept me comfortable pre and post op. They managed to do it keyhole somehow despite open surgery and possibly a stoma bag being an option and I am so grateful for this! They also did an exceptional job with my wounds I cannot believe what they achieved through such small openings - truly grateful for Mr Davey and his team.

I want to mention nurse Danielle on the surgical 2 ward - I had a really really rough night with pain and she got a doctor to assess me and gave me some stronger pain relief which finally gave me some relief. She kept checking on me making sure I was coping and gave me the meds even if I was sleeping to help me get some rest - she’s an angel! I really don’t think she realises how much she helped me!! 

There also was a doctor on the first couple of days I was in (surgical 2) (Gemma maybe?) annoyed I cannot remember her name as she was really amazing but she prescribed pain relief for me should I need it during the night and checked in on me a few times - I really feel like she cared about me and my pain and I appreciate it so much. 

Another shout out to an amazing nurse in surgical 2  (I cannot quite remember their name) but they were on night shift room C  (Carlo maybe?) and the health care assistants on night shift also - absolute characters and made me truly laugh!

I realise how lucky I am everything went so smoothly and I am so grateful to every staff member that crossed my path and looked after me! 

Also a quick shout out to nursing students Katie, Sophie and Andrina who were exceptional! All of them are made to be nurses. From just talking to me and keeping me comfortable  to providing excellent nursing care these girls are going places. 

And to the phlebotomists who had the struggle of trying to get a vein in me - they were a good laugh!

One thing I would say is although I understand the nurses are extremely busy - I did find often I would ask for pain relief and wait hours for it or I would be told they are getting it now and have to go and ask again as they had forgotten and by that time the pain would be far worse and harder to manage.

But all in all I had a positive experience and met so many amazing staff and patients and I’m grateful they saved my life 😊