"paediatric A&E at the Ulster"

We took our 18 month old to the Peadiatric A&E department at the Ulster hospital last night. 

Upon arrival to A&E we had to wait for triage in the main waiting area at the front reception. After approx 45 mins we were seen by triage who then escorted us to the paediatric A&E department. 

This paediatric A&E department was very well managed, there was a lovely calm atmosphere which promoted safety and reassurance for parents with thier children. 

My son was treated my Dr Aoife. Despite the department closing at 12.30 Dr Aoife attended to us at 12 and was fantastic with my son. 

My son was extremely distressed when he was in the presence of the medical staff, however Dr Aoife was creative in her approach to assessing my son and taking his observations. 

I greatly appreciated her preparatory work as she had a full overview of his medical presentation from birth. It was lovely to have a medical professional be so in tune with how my baby was rather than me providing the full overview for a further time yesterday. 

Dr Aoife thoroughly examined my son and listened to my concerns which were subsequently validated based on her thorough assessment. I appreciated her initiative to seek a 2nd professional opinion from another medic who supported Dr Aoife's professional assessment and diagnosis. 

Both medical staff were fantastic in communication and prompt assessment and treatment for my son. 

I would recommend the department review their opening hours, to beyond 12.30am.

Dr Aoife and her colleagues worked efficiently and in the best interests of patients within the department and despite the closure time of 12.30 I greatly appreciated that my son and other children were treated beyond this closure time within the Paediatric area rather than relocating to the main waiting area where 100s of people sat awaiting assessment at the front reception area.  

I’d appreciate if Dr Aoife and her management are informed of positive experience we had and would like her to know we are very thankful for all her care, respect and treatment provided. 

Kind regards