"My son's care"

My son was sent to the acute assessment unit by the GP suffering from stomach pain.

He was seen initially by a nurse and then Dr Malac before going for a scan and then being admitted to the Paediatric ward. He underwent surgery to remove his appendix under the care of Mr Bliss.

We have stayed for two nights and are now being allowed home.

The acute assessment nursing staff, scan operator, theatre nurses, anaesthetists, surgical team and ward staff have been truly wonderful. As a parent I felt fully supported and that the care of my child during an unexpected and challenging time couldn't have been more positive. 

My elder son underwent a planned surgical procedure last year and wasn't in the paediatric ward and the difference in being in a child friendly atmosphere and specific space made this visit far better and less stressful. I hope you continue to make the space child friendly.

My only negative feedback was that post surgery we were moved from a single room onto a shared ward. I understand that the room was required by another patient, however I noticed this was an adult and it meant my 11-year-old son had to move onto a ward with another young female patient which made him feel self conscious.

It also happened around 10pm, when my son was settled down for the night after his operation and I felt it would have been better to do this during the day as it was unsettling for us both to have to move and become acquainted to the new space in terms of where the toilet was and I was very conscious of the negative impact this would also have on the other patients and their families.

While I understand the requirements of room spaces, I feel it was an unusual decision to place an adult into a paediatric space and in particular, when I passed through medical ward 1 a little later on there appeared to be other available spaces this adult could have been allocated.

On a final note, I want to thank the nursing staff who helped me when my ex-husband turned up unannounced at the acute assessment unit - I flagged to them that he was abusive towards me and they handled the situation very professionally and discreetly so it didn't negatively impact on my son.