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Our Son got bitten by a dog

Posted By Scarred mummy

"Our Son got bitten by a dog"

About: Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Emergency department Paediatrics / Ward 16 (Children's Day Case Unit)

(as a parent/guardian),

We had travelled to Strabane on our holidays and within 2 hours of being at his granny's house, a neighbour's dog jumped over the wall and bit my three & a half year old son in the eye. 

We took him to A&E, which was extremely busy but was seen within an hour. From the first nurse we seen we received excellent care. They were so calming and kind to him. Completely putting him at ease.

The doctor contacted the plastic surgeon on call and from that they decided to admit us for the night and scheduled surgery the next morning. We were taken to the ward very quickly to which we received the best care, they couldn’t do anymore for us. We were apprehensive of giving him an anaesthetic and they said we could discuss again in the morning. They listened to us and said we could try and do the procedure under a local anaesthetic and worked with us to keep him calm to get his eye clean and stitches done which you can imagine was tough for him.

He was extremely brave but I do believe the kindness and care we were shown definitely helped in this. I honestly can’t thank all the nurses & doctors involved they were truly amazing. They even gave him gifts when leaving the hospital. We received a follow up call (which they did say they would) to check on him and how his eye was healing. 

Again a massive thank you to all the staff. 

You made a horrible incident more bearable. 

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Responses

Response from Yvonne Devenney, Ward Manager, Ward 6 & 16 Children's Altnagelvin ( W&C), WHSCT 3 months ago
Yvonne Devenney
Ward Manager, Ward 6 & 16 Children's Altnagelvin ( W&C),
WHSCT

Submitted on 23/07/2025 at 18:40
Published on Care Opinion at 18:40

Dear Scarred mummy

My name is Yvonne and I am the Ward Manager of the Children's Ward in Altnagelvin. I hope your son, yourself and your family are well. He really is a brave wee boy and we were all amazed at how calm he was. I hope he has continued to recover well from the trauma of what happened.

Thank you for taking the time to post your lovely comment on Care Opinion. We really appreciate your kind words and value all feedback. Your comment was shared with the staff all send their kind regards.

Wishing you all the very best and thank you again

Yvonne

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Response from Colleen Hamilton, Service Manager for Unscheduled Care, Emergency Department / AMU /ACU Altnagelvin Hospital, WHSCT 2 months ago
Colleen Hamilton
Service Manager for Unscheduled Care, Emergency Department / AMU /ACU Altnagelvin Hospital,
WHSCT

management duties

Submitted on 25/07/2025 at 18:34
Published on Care Opinion at 18:34

picture of Colleen Hamilton

Dear Scarred mummy

My name is Colleen Hamilton, I am the Service manager for Emergency Care in Altnagelvin. Thank you for taking the time to leave us your feedback regarding your son recent attendance to ED Altnagelvin. I am glad to hear that your journey was quick and he was well cared for despite a busy department.

As a team we have made several changes to the provision for children in our emergency department with the addition of a protected paediatric space. We work closely with Yvonne, and our colleagues in the Children's ward to ensure the journey through our service is a safe and as quick as possible.

I hope your son is recovering well following his ordeal, I am sure it was a frightening time for you all.

Best Wishes

Colleen Hamilton

ED Service Manager.

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