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"Exceptional care for our son"

About: Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Accident & Emergency Royal Hospital for Children (Glasgow) / Ear, Nose & Throat (ward 3b) Royal Hospital for Children (Glasgow) / Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Ward 1D Royal Hospital for Children (Glasgow) / Paediatric surgery ( Wards 3A & 3B) Royal Hospital for Children (Glasgow) / Play Team

(as a parent/guardian),

Our 6-year-old son had been unwell for a few days before we attended A&E at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. From the moment we arrived, every member of staff we encountered was exceptional – kind, caring, and patient, always taking the time to explain each step of the investigations being carried out to find out what was wrong.

Following an X-ray, it was discovered that our son's intestines were dilated and possibly blocked. We were admitted to Ward 3B Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow. From the very start, nursing staff looked after our son with such professionalism and compassion. Their care over those first few days, right through to the end of our admission, was faultless.

Several interventions were attempted to resolve the problem, but unfortunately none were successful. Given our son’s previous intestinal surgery in 2021, it was suspected that scar tissue was the cause, so he was taken to surgery. After the operation, he was admitted to PICU, where once again, the staff were truly wonderful – kind, caring, compassionate, supportive, and excellent at explaining everything that was happening.

When our son returned to Ward 3B, we realised it was going to be a longer journey than we had anticipated. A week later, he required another surgery to have a PICC line inserted, ensuring he received adequate nutrition as he was experiencing post-op ileus and unable to maintain his own nutrition. I will never forget Colette, the charge nurse who came to the ward to take us to theatre that day – her compassion, kindness, empathy, and comforting presence meant so much at such a stressful time.

Throughout our son’s recovery, Wendy, the ward play worker, was exceptional in supporting him during his hospital stay. Other staff members who made a lasting impression on us were Tori, Caitlin H, Mike, Hayley – all of them embodying outstanding nursing values.

We also want to give special thanks to the surgical team. Their communication, the time they spent explaining each stage to us, their compassion, and their ability to truly listen made a world of difference. We felt heard, understood, and reassured throughout the process.

This was an extremely difficult time for us as parents. But every single member of staff we encountered went above and beyond to support us as a family. We are deeply grateful to all of them.

Thanks to their dedication, skill, and kindness, our son is now home, happy, healthy, and fit once again. We will never forget the care we received and the difference it made during such a challenging time.

Thank you, Ward 3B, PICU, A&E, and the surgical team – you are all outstanding. 

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