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Care Opinion

My Son

Posted By Scottishjanie

"My Son"

About: Borders General Hospital / Paediatrics (Ward 15) Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (Edinburgh)

(as a parent/guardian),

My son was discharged at 3 days old as a happy, healthy newborn.

At 10 days old he went floppy (still responsive), pale and wouldn't feed. We called NHS24 who called an ambulance.

The staff in A&E sent us to Paediatrics and we had possibly the worst night of our life listening to our son screaming as they struggled to put an IV line in. We were comforted heavily by the wonderful staff and assured it was for our sons best interests and warned he is very poorly and we would be in for some time.

I managed to get to feed him after what felt like an eternity and I'll never forget that feeling of getting him back into my arms. The staff kindly explained what they suspected was wrong and that it was mostly likely a UTI that had then caused a condition called sepsis.

It was a huge shock and over the next few days we settled into the hospital routine and was heavily supported by the exceptional staff. I was able to stay with my son as I was breast feeding and a lady very kindly came to support me from the Labour ward as they were aware as we were in hospital, we were missing health visitor appointments and breast feeding groups.

The nurses are just incredible.

The doctors are amazing.

Our consultants showed kindness and professionalism. 

My son got a rough diagnosis after 5 days and that he will need future surgery. As the days went on and many scans later it was narrowed down to a kidney condition.

After 8 long, hard day's we were discharged.

It wasn't the end of our story as we were admitted again a further 3 times for shorter stays.

My son had successful surgery in December making his first Christmas very hard. Since that day we haven't set foot in hospital apart for check ups. 

Thank you isn't enough. You saved my son's life. It was our first baby and we went through a horror I wouldn't wish upon anyone. You made this incredibly hard situation bearable. The cup of tea with a nurse, the nurses taking my son for cuddles (there was a never ending stream of cuddles!!) And being allowed to go and have a break for 20 minutes to take in everything meant so much.

My son will be 2 in a few weeks. He is happy, healthy and very cheeky! We owe you everything. Thank you to everyone at the BGH for saving his life. 

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Responses

Response from Danielle Matthewson, Senior Charge Nurse, Paediatrics, NHS Borders 5 years ago
Danielle Matthewson
Senior Charge Nurse, Paediatrics,
NHS Borders

Submitted on 31/07/2018 at 09:38
Published on Care Opinion at 14:12

Dear Scottishjanie

Thank you so much for taking the time to give us your feedback on what sounds like a very difficult time for you and your family. I am so pleased to hear that your son is doing so well since his operation and I would like to wish him a very happy 2nd birthday when it comes.

We understand how difficult it is for parents to be in hospital. Not only is there the worry of an unwell child but also a change from their routine and having times where partners or those who would normally support you cant be with you. As a team, we strive to look after not only the child in our care but also the parents and close family members too.

It is really important for us to hear feedback so that we can continually strive to improve the service and experience we provide for the children, young people and families in our care. If you would like to contact me directly with your ideas, especially around supporting partners and other family members whilst a child is in hospital please feel free to do so. My contact number is 01896 826 122.

Kind regards

Danielle

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Response from Patient Experience Team, NHS Lothian 5 years ago
NHS Lothian

Submitted on 03/08/2018 at 14:04
Published on Care Opinion at 14:07

Dear Scottishjanie,

I am sorry to read that your Son had Sepsis and was so unwell, and of the incredibly hard situation that you and your family have been through.

It really is very kind of you to take the time to share all of this wonderful feedback for our colleagues at the Borders General Hospital and to include the Royal Hospital of Sick Children. I am really pleased that you felt so well supported at, most understandably, an extremely difficult time. It sounds as though all of the services were well coordinated as we would expect, and it is nice to read the many examples you have shared with us including that the staff supported you when you were unable to attend the breastfeeding groups due to being in hospital. Please do get in touch with our patient experience team at feedback@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk if you would like to speak about any areas which could be improved in terms of help for your partner. We really do welcome your ideas and feedback.

I am glad that your Son’s surgery in December was a success and Happy Birthday wishes for your Son’s 2nd Birthday within the next week or so.

Thank you very much again for providing all of this feedback and all the very best to your son, yourself, and your family.

Kind regards,

Pamela

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