"Everyone made an effort to get to know my son"

My son attended A&E after i’d had him checked a few times, it was quickly recognised by the lovely ED registrar that my son was suffering from and ENT emergency and she was very quick in organising review, cannulating him and getting him steroids and fluids, all whilst remaining a calm and friendly presence. I’m sorry that I can’t remember her name! The nurse Euan was equally as lovely and did well at distracting my son. 

The radiographers in CT that we met were all so friendly, very child focused and absolutley put my son, husband and I at ease. My son has enjoyed talking about his CT “donut scans” and whatever the opposite of traumatising a child is, they have achieved it! A credit to the hospital.

The ENT team at the RHC are nothing short of amazing. From the initial review in ED, to the explination of the issues, possible complications, and the process of the surgery he would need - they filled us with confidence. A special mention to Mr Wynne who explained in detail what to expect - he checked in regularly following surgery and it was clear he respected and listened to my maternal concerns when my son declined once more post surgery. He was rational and balanced and I felt absolutley confident in his forward plans. My son ultimatley underwent a second surgery, and continued to recover following this. 

Ms Kunanandam took over the care of my son in the later part of his inpatient stay. Her bedside manner and interaction with my child was one of the loveliest examples of child centered care I have come across. My son was fed up with medical intervention by this point and she recognised that, only examining him when absolutley neccessary, discussing non medical things with him (mainly superheroes!) and restoring his trust. All of the ENT registrars and fellowes we were treated by were also lovely, professional, enthusatic and hard working. We apologise for not remembering everyone’s name - but Beatrice stood out with her explanations of surgery to us. 

We were inpatient in ward 2C for the duraration of our stay, a ward that made a very hard week much more bearable with their absolutley outstanding staff. Every nurse, HCA, domestic, play leader and other team members we came across were examples of everything good about the NHS.

We were never made to feel like a nuisance by anyone, no matter how busy they were. Everyone made an effort to get to know my son and took time to chat and distract him when they could. The ward was very clean, with daily deep cleaning of the rooms, the domestic team being so friendly - like a daily catch up with a pal! The ward play team are fantastic, making long days a lot easier - what a vital part of an inpatient stay they are!

The nurses and healthcare assistants are some of the best I have ever dealt with. Special mention to the following staff members, not meaning to miss anyone out as everyone was fantastic! Kristy, scn Amanda, scn Lindsay, Louise, Layla, Cree, Kirsty, Jade, Rachel, Chloe, Karen, Gordon and Blair. Student nurses’ Sophie and Charly. 

The staff in the hospital work so hard and deserve the recognition of being superstars of the NHS. We don’t have a single negative thing to say about our time.