"They were simply the best!"

 First story:

 April 2025 

Having telephoned 111 they upgraded me to 999 and an ambulance duly arrived after not too long a wait. It was crewed by 2 young men who were both professional and respectful who decided I needed to be admitted. I was conveyed  to ARI where I was triaged and then in the ambulance for 3 hours, not ideal but bearable. 

On admittance to A&E I was dealt with sympathetically  and professionally then admitted to Ward 109 initially to a corridor bed. The biggest problem with this was the distance to the toilet!

Later in the day I was shifted to a room which was lovely. 

At all times staff were attentive and professional with special  mention to night nurse Roland, who apart from being extremely caring and efficient at all times kept me grounded after receiving the news nobody wants to hear.

I would also like to thank Mr Creaney and his team for their diligence and for their kindness and courtesy when delivering the diagnosis which the scans showed.

Second Story:

May 2025

Due to severe abdominal pain I phoned111, where the biggest problem is the time it takes to be connected to a medical professional. When this eventually happened the nurse decided to send a doctor. I was very fortunate to receive a visit from a doctor who within minutes told me he knew what the problem was and that I needed surgery. He said I should go straight to the ward, not through A&E, but it took some time for him to persuade the powers that be that this should happen. Thank you sir for pleading my case successfully.

Having been advised not to wait for an ambulance, my daughter drove me to ARI after I had been given analgesic so that I was able to get in the car.

I was admitted to Ward 208 where a scan later that day showed I needed  an emergency operation which would happen early the next morning.

I was visited by the anaesthetist, Mr Hunter. Thank you for your caring, quiet manner and reassurance which took away much of the fear.

In High Dependency Unit for two days - Brooke, Pamela and the night nurse, a big thank you for your outstanding care!

I was then moved to Ward 206.

From the most senior to most junior, all nursing staff worked like Trojans and delivered nursing care which could not have been better and despite their heavy workload, took time to reassure and instruct this elderly patient when she needed help. They were simply the best! 

All the auxiliary staff were equally pleasant.

Management need to look at the sanitary arrangements. One toilet between 6 patients with colorectal issues was not pleasant with sometimes 6 or more containers on the floor. A separate place to leave these is needed.

The ward itself was extremely warm with inadequate ventilation with fans having to be supplied.

Third Story:

Ward 106A Coronary Care Unit, September 2025

The highest standard of nursing care at all times. The only name I remember is Hannah but there were others equally good and their kindness and patience were very much appreciated.

I would also like to thank the medical teams here and in A&E for all they did for me during my stay. In my case the emergency care was immediate and saved my life.

Thank you too to the senior paramedic and ambulance crew who attended at my home.

Thank you is not enough but be assured my family and I could not be more grateful for all the care I have received over the past 6 months and are spreading the good things about ARI which we have experienced.