"Getting an infusion"

I am currently undergoing treatment for advanced prostate cancer at the MacMillan unit of the Ulster Hospital. On Sunday I started to have a runny nose and a bit of a cough. I tested for Covid 19 and was positive.

I contacted the MacMillan unit and, as ever, they were extremely helpful. As I am classed as 'clinically extremely vulnerable' they immediately contacted the regional centre for people like me at Craigavon Hospital. A very pleasant, efficient doctor from there then contacted me and explained that tablets would not be an option for me but that I could receive an infusion at the Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast.

Then Dr Jacques from the Royal Victoria phoned me with a clear explanation of what the infusion involved. It was arranged that I would come up about 11 am the Wednesday.

My wife drove us there. Often, parking at the hospital is difficult but Dr Jacques arranged a pass for us and this made it very straightforward to get to the treatment room. He even came out to our car to meet us and to guide us in.

He again explained what was involved in having the infusion. He was extremely friendly and polite.

I was then transferred to the care of an experienced nurse Damien for my having the infusion. He again explained what he would be doing and answered any questions we had. For the next hour and a half we were under his very professional care. He showed my wife and me great respect  and did so with an engaging humour. Dr Jacques looked in to the treatment room from time to time to make sure all was going well.

Both these men showed what was best about the Northern Ireland hospital service. Caring, efficient, professional!

They both deserve due praise.

Thank you Jacques and Damien.