"I think back often to that night"

My apologies, as this relates to October 2022 but I have only just discovered this web site.

My partner became unwell at home one evening in October.  We arrived at Antrim Area ED at around 10pm approx, he waited approx 10/15 minutes in the ED waiting room until he was taken through to triage.

Shortly before 11pm, staff approached me in the waiting room and brought me around to my partner who was in the back of an ambulance. There was two paramedics with him. My partner explained to me that he was being taken to the Royal and he asked me to follow them.

At that point the paramedic advised us that it would be best for me to go home as I would not get into the Royal. The paramedic was very good and caring and he explained to my partner that he had nothing to worry about and how the staff in the Royal will be waiting for them to arrive and that the feeling my partner was having in his chest would be gone soon after he would arrive at the Royal.

They then left Antrim Area to travel to the Royal at 11pm and that paramedic was right, a team was waiting for them as they arrived at the Royal and they attended to him straight away. My partner had a stent fitted, the team spoke to my partner during the procedure and kept him calm throughout and everything was over and he was able to call me at 12.30. Amazing!

My partner was then transported back to Antrim Area the next day where they cared for him in B3 from Tuesday until his discharge on the Friday.

The paramedics had made some light hearted jokes with my partner and how my partner had walked into ED with a heart attack instead of calling 999. I think back quite often on that night, especially on the reassurance that paramedic gave my partner that night, it made all the difference with my partner it kept him settled and from then I knew he was in the right hands.

What an amazing pathway, the paramedics and the staff in CSICU (RVH) and B3 (AAH) are very special people and we are grateful for them everyday.

We just want to say a massive thank you to all the staff, you are all amazing!