"Daughters stay at Children’s Ward."

My daughter attended A&E after hurting her back, she was taken quickly. Seen by triage, had an ultrasound, through to treatment and saw the doctor very quickly. 10/10 for A&E department. 

My daughter was moved to the children’s ward as she was to receive an MRI the next day. The nightshift staff were great. Got us both comfortable as quickly as possible and very kind. She and I were offered food and drinks. 

In the morning we met day shift. Kerry was the nurse and a student nurse named Abbie were assigned to my daughter. Both were fantastic throughout the whole visit. I explained my daughter was diagnosed with Anxiety and OCD but was also being assessed for ASD & ADHD. They were very kind and understanding. My daughter clicked with Abbie immediately which is unusual for her and said she was nice and very pretty. (Kids say what they see)

My daughters  MRI was booked for 11.10am - she was terrified and anxiety took hold. She also needed blood work done which didn’t go down well. After a lot of panic, anxiety and trying to talk her calm Kerry tried 3 times to get blood, but she had gotten so upset, the blood didn’t fill. Kerry decided to leave her and try again later. Not once did Kerry or Abbie seem annoyed or frustrated at my daughters reaction. Very understanding.

The paediatrician they spoke too decided a mild sedation or relaxant should be given for the MRI. This however changed to a CT scan. But when we got down back to an MRI which they would need to postpone till later. Later was 1.10pm, the mild relaxant was still in her system but she went into the worst anxiety attack. The staff at MRI were not helpful or understanding. Expected her to follow instructions like an adult and took no time to talk to, explain to or soothe her. Was very disappointing from a health care professional. Back to the ward to see what next. 

Kerry got the paediatrician to try again for bloods, which she managed to get because my daughter was still partially sedated. 

I explained to Kerry and Abbie what had happened down at MRI. They went off to try find out what was next but came back and forth regularly to check on her, do her observations and chat with her. Abbie is going to make a fabulous paediatric nurse. Such a caring and patient person. 

Eventually it was decided by a lovely doctor named Elizabeth that her MRI would go ahead. Under a different sedation that would make her sleep through the procedure. My daughter was very anxious again, however 15 mins after having her new relaxant she was sound asleep. 

Abbie came down to MRI with us to monitor my daughter while she was in there. The staff were not happy that my daughter was sedated and no doctor was there to monitor her. I kind of understand what they were saying but also trusted Elizabeth’s decision to get this important scan done. 

The staff was a bit out of line as they made a couple of remarks that made me anxious. They said if anything happens to her in there, we’re not equipped, was one. I’m a mother standing with my daughter going through something horrid and to say this right there was very inappropriate. I think the nurse with us was taken aback by their comments and attitude too. 

Anyway, MRI done. Longest moments of my life!

By the time we got results Abbie and Kerry were finished their shifts but just want to say they were awesome. Good luck with you future career Abbie. 

Elizabeth delivered the results and informed us things would be followed up by the Spinal Surgeon in Edinburgh. 

Obviously while we were in those 24 hours other staff were involved in my daughters care. Everyone in the children’s ward was amazing from housekeeping to the orthopaedic Drs who were calling the shots for my daughter.Every nurse was kind and understanding, helpful and supportive.

One nurse, I cannot remember her name who personally has regular MRI’s even came along to try reassure my daughter which we appreciated too. The housekeeping staff were lovely too. Carol who we know and works in children’s ward was very professional in her work. Only said a brief hello until I invited her into our space and told her what was going on. Was going about her job without being nosey which is always how it should be. However we know Carol well enough I was happy to chat with her without concern and without keeping her from her work too long. 

Like I say, the children’s ward staff were amazing. Exactly the kind of staff any hospital would be grateful for. 

Thank you all so very much.