"Care around childhood cancer diagnosis"

We have received phenomenal care within the last month at RACH. 

We found blood in our baby’s nappy on a Sunday morning. We contacted 111 who arranged an out of hours GP appointment. Though they felt everything was normal, they double checked with Pediatric assessment unit who asked to see us. All our assessments went well but they wanted to cover all bases and get an ultrasound to double check. If it wasn’t for both professionals dotting and crossing the Is and Ts then our baby’s tumour would not have been found. 

The ultrasound showed a tumour in her ovary and after an MRI this was confirmed. We first went to a medical professional on Sunday and by Wednesday her tumour had been found and removed. This was unbelievably good care in our eyes.

We received care from pediatric assessment unit, day unit and surgical unit and in our time in all three all members of staff delivered the best care to us. We were offered hot drinks, given space when we needed and everyone was too kind to our wee one, including helping to entertain her when she was grumbly. We were allowed to maintain our normal routine where possible which helped immensely in keeping our wee one rested.

Everyone naturally has bad days at work now and again however none of this was shown towards us at any point during the two weeks of our back and forth to the hospital. 

Since our wee one’s diagnosis, we’ve had incredible support from oncology and we feel in great hands for our future care in the years to come. 

Words cannot express the gratitude we feel to every member of staff we came across including auxiliary staff, anaesthetists, nurses, play team and consultants and surgical team. Thank you!