"The most caring team"

My 7-year-old daughter received outstanding care when attending UHW Emergency Department last week. She was triaged quickly and the nurses were great at putting my daughter and I at ease. From there she moved to resus and again the ED doctor was so reassuring at what was becoming quite a scary situation. He spoke to my daughter and made sure he explained things in a way she understood and in such a calm and caring manner. From there she moved to Ward 19 and was reviewed by the surgical team.

The Ward 19 paediatric doctor, nurses and health care support workers were all fabulous. My daughter, having never been in hospital, was extremely anxious and scared about having a cannula inserted and the doctor and health care support worker took time to explain everything and to put her at ease.

The surgeons attended quickly and examined my daughter and explained the need for emergency surgery. At such a scary and worrying time the surgeons and all staff in Ward 19 showed such compassion and were very reassuring.

The anaesthetics and theatre team were so professional and informative and also explained things in a way my daughter understood and so as to not alarm her prior to general anaesthetic. They even arranged for a bravery certificate with her favourite animal on it after surgery which she loved.

After surgery she moved to Ward 20 where she stayed for 5 days, and I cannot thank the team enough for the care she received. Dr Andrew, Dr Kane and the entire nursing team were amazing throughout her admission, as well as the pharmacists and domestic staff. All staff made sure to speak directly to my daughter and explain everything to her and always asked if she had any questions. There is no doubt she would have been a lot more scared, anxious and upset with being in hospital had it not been for the care and attention shown by every member of the team. I'm sorry I can't remember everyone's names as it was a worrying time, but a huge thank you to student nurse Pamela, staff nurses Louise, Debbie, Eve and David for the extra mile they went to put my daughter at ease when she was overly anxious about medication and numerous cannula insertions. And an extra special thanks to the staff nurse who recognised things were not right with the cannula and arranged swift removal and reinsertion which was a huge relief to my little girl.

The pharmacists spent time helping to encourage my daughter to take medication in tablet form when she was struggling with the taste of the liquid antibiotics, which I really appreciated. 

From presentation to ED to discharge, my daughter was investigated promptly and thoroughly and she and I were treated with so much kindness, care and compassion at what was a very worrying time. To everyone involved in her care, we are forever grateful.