"Exceptional member of staff"

My dad’s a patient in ward 8c. He can be hard work and quite aggressive at times. The nurse Diane is absolutely amazing, not only with my dad but other patients too. My dad loves her and she can generally calm him down and he responds so well to her. She has a great rapport with all the patients in that ward and has the patience of a saint. She has them all laughing and joking and listens to their needs, chats about their favourite football team and has banter with them, even when communication barriers are in place. She’s approachable and I’ve had to go looking at the end of the ward to ask her questions and she’s always happy to help.

Our dad had a really difficult day and the nurse that was on with Diane wasn’t very helpful and I could not understand a word she was saying, her English wasn’t very good at all and any questions I had she didn’t know. However, I found Diane and she was able to answer what questions she could and even approached the doctor that couldn’t speak to me to ask if there was any updates and gave me the secretary’s number to make an appointment. These little things go a massively long way for us a family and brings us faith that there are still good nurses out there after some bad experiences.

The poor staffing levels in 8c are obvious to see and it’s like a full on dementia ward with at least 6 patients wandering around, shouting and or being aggressive. I witnessed Diane walk down the corridor taking an unbalanced patient and helping them along the way and her words were -  right, let’s go get a cuppa tea and a wee chat’, came back out and took another patient who was wandering around trying to get out the door and sat with 3 patients explaining that she was going to get them tea and biscuits and the 3 of them sat happily chatting to one another. It’s things like this that go unnoticed and not seen or ignored as it’s expected. 

I will personally thank Diane again for being a great nurse and even more amazing person.  She also looked after our aunt many years ago in a different ward and hasn’t changed. She works so hard and I feel isn’t appreciated enough for going above expectations. We always know when she’s on shift as dad's always immaculate, shaved and well presented.

This young woman deserves more than just our praise.

Thank you Diane