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"Wish there was a bit more awareness"

About: Antrim Area Hospital / Ward A2 Paediatrics

(as a parent/guardian),

I have spent my fair share of time on paeds the last couple of years with both my little ones (nursery/germ monsters, the standard) Most of the time it has been exceptional and empathic care with nursing staff listening to us as parents as we know our children best. I have the upmost respect for the health service and a big supporter of their work under nothing short of extreme working environments.

However, both of my children have been exclusively breastfed, bottle and dummy refusers, so why does it feel like some staff push a bottle onto my little one. I’ve said that they don’t take a bottle and I am proud to say they are exclusively breastfed for a reason. This admission I feel like they just want my little one to take a bottle to get a quick discharge. I know my child best and I just wish some staff would have more awareness and respect regarding breastfeeding and bottles. 

Furthermore, at a time where the ward seems less busy I understand staff have time to seat and have a chat (no issues at all with that) staff deserve all the breaks they can get but there were times when people have been buzzing for 10 minutes to get into the ward, I thought it doesn't look well to service users. 

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Responses

Response from Peter Johnston, Lead Nurse - Womens and Childrens Nursing, Northern Health and Social Care Trust 6 days ago
Peter Johnston
Lead Nurse - Womens and Childrens Nursing,
Northern Health and Social Care Trust
Submitted on 30/10/2025 at 16:32
Published on Care Opinion at 16:32


Dear watertm78,

my name is Peter Johnston and I am the lead nurse for Paediatrics with responsibility for A2.

I am very disappointed to hear that your breast feeding was not fully supported during this admission as we of course recognise that it is the best form of nutrition for children. I would really value if you could give me a call on 07789442758 to explore all your concerns as this falls short of the support we should be giving all breast feeding mothers.

I would like to apologise on behalf of the service for this experience and I hope that both you are your child are well following discharge

thank you

Peter

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Response from Peter Johnston, Lead Nurse - Womens and Childrens Nursing, Northern Health and Social Care Trust yesterday
Peter Johnston
Lead Nurse - Womens and Childrens Nursing,
Northern Health and Social Care Trust
Submitted on 04/11/2025 at 14:41
Published on Care Opinion at 14:41


Dear watertm78

I am sorry that you did not feel the response given was helpful, I would like to repeat my offer of a call to discuss your concerns. In the meantime I have shared your concerns with the Ward Sister so she can highlight to staff the central importance of breast feeding. I have also raised with the Ward Sister your other concerns about staff and response to the door buzzer.

thank you

Peter

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