"Staff took time to really know my son"

We recently had a prolonged stay with our ex 25 weeker, prem baby. He was not too well with increased breathing. 

We were in a side room however were moved into a bay which was quite full and noisy with other young children coughing which puts our baby at risk due to chronic lung and being on home oxygen. The noise was too much stimulus.

I spoke to the nurse in charge about my concerns and she was very approachable and empathetic despite having an extremely busy ward to manage. In the early hours my son was moved into a much quieter bay with only one other child. 

The next night another child was in with sickness. The parents did not stay overnight. The staff were very attentive and ensured he was cared for however during the night he became unwell vomiting and got quite upset, so I assisted to get him a nurse who took care of him. I do feel children under 12 years of age should have an adult overnight as policy as despite the staff checking regular, had I not been in the room when he became upset and not knowing what to do (buzzer had been explained but he was panicking) it would be unfair to expect staff to know of his sudden upset in such a busy environment. 

We were moved back to a side room when my son became very unwell (i do worry if he had been at risk and myself briefly helping as above). The doctor promptly requested bloods, xrays and antiviral treatment. I want to thank Dr. Downs in particular for making the decision to put my son on optiflow to allow him to rest as he got so unwell. She clearly explained treatment, also discussed further options if needed so everything felt in control and calm despite a stressful situation. 

This extends to all nursing staff (even agency who were just fab) especially ellie who really gave her nursing duties when he was extremely unwell, she was very attentive, calming and reassuring. The male nurse (i think sean) who was very gentle and through when putting my son on optiflow and my partner felt a rapport and able to speak to him if needed. Also thanks to Sister Ellie, Lauren and each nurse who cared for him, you are all superb. Also for not rushing him out the door but ensuring he had a discharge meeting so once home support was in place than risking us getting lost in the system. 

Any issues were dealt with quickly and promptly, however I was quite upset when one member of staff suctioned him with a yankur causing trauma and added difficulty for him, Having witnessed the second time (thankfully with a small catheter after explaining a yankur was not to be used) the nurse was quite forceful and rough in handling which was very distressing for myself, partner to witness and my son. It was hard to complain as the nurse was actually very nice and made effort in trying to get a rapport. But all other care was above and beyond. Staff spoke to my son, took time to really know his character which I feel as he returns (due to CLD) builds a rapport and trust when he sees familiar faces. Including HCAs who are very friendly and helpful nothing was too much trouble.

The play specialists were fantastic in sensory support and understanding his needs so he could interact even when unwell and this extended to my other children to distract them from their brothers care. And to Beth who ensured I got continued support from SPOONS for my preemie, I didnt feel isolated, in my fears and anxieties having somewhere to go specific to our needs as a family. 

staff took time to know us as a family and as a couple which is appreciated when we have the strains of a baby with a long term condition. When we have to return we feel reassured his care is of priority as when we have to briefly leave due to children at home we know he is loved with cuddles, playtime, feeds and changes even though we are onky gone for 2 hours maximum, hes never left unattended too long and its nice to hear other parents confirming this on our return. 

We know you are often extremely busy and can be short staffed with long days and nights but you are all fantastic and we cannot thankyou for your continued support.