"Respiratory Team - Ward 7c"

I’ve genuinely put off writing the feedback for the care that I have received from the entire nursing and support team in Respiratory Ward 7c at QEUH, as I’ve just found it too emotional to put down on paper what the team have done and been for me and my family over the past year. However, as I am to be readmitted again this week, I want to try to convey just how grateful and fortunate I feel I have been to be in the care of such an incredible team of professionals – from the Respiratory Consultants, Nurses, Auxiliaries and Domestics everyone has played their part in my care and recovery.

I couldn’t be more grateful to Dolly and the team for their unwavering professionalism, compassion, and warmth. Also when I’ve needed it most, their sense of humour and chat have been a priceless distraction during stressful and frightening times. They have ALL contributed to making the worst of times just about bearable

In June 2018, I was admitted via A&E with suspected pneumonia and spent several weeks on Ward 7c receiving various antibiotic treatments and diagnostic tests to find a cause for my lung condition. I’ve never had breathing issues before and so waiting for a diagnosis and treatment plan was very frightening. I became increasingly anxious and distressed, worrying about what they would find. Whilst the Consultants worked tirelessly to establish the cause, the nursing/auxiliary teams patience, care and commitment to ensuring I felt listened to and reassured I’m not sure I could have coped. Sometimes they just came and sat with me untilI had a good cry and let out some of the emotions I had been bottling up.

In just the past 10 years, after reasonably good health, I have been diagnosed with several rare medical conditions. These have resulted in many prescription medications, hospital admissions, day procedures, operations and also contracted C-difficile post-op at The Southern General.

It’s been a lot for my husband and daughter to cope with and still causes great anxiety any time I’m readmitted. It’s very important to me and my family that I feel safe and at ease when I’m back in hospital. The flexibility and understanding of the team in Ward 7c has made the inpatient experience much less daunting. My husband can also take great comfort knowing that a familiar team will help me settle in and support me. They really take the time to understand my anxieties/quirks and ensure I feel visible and attended to .

Some examples of my quirks/needs

I bring all my own bedding, pillows and home comforts like I would have at home, as the hospital beds make me sweat so badly that it wakes me up. We laugh that it looks like I’ve redecorated but it makes a massive difference to know that I will get a good sleep and that the staff are aware that this is what works best for me.

Whilst the domestic team do a great job daily, I also like to bring in my own cleaning products, as the cleaning products used in the wards are not scented. Since the C-Diff, I get paranoid about germs. I would always prefer to wipe areas down with my own Dettol just like at home, leaving it smelling fresh.

I choose to keep my blind facing the ward and the door closed as I don’t like to be looked in on by passing visitors. Initially the staff would come and check that I was ok and not hiding away but understood when I explained that this doesn’t mean I don’t want to be disturbed, just that I like my own privacy.

The fact that I was still able to name most of the team when I was readmitted in July of this year should tell you something about the positive impression that I have of the team on Ward 7c. When I was readmitted in July 2019, I found it very reassuring that so many of the team were still the same, and that they remembered me. They really are the most brilliant approachable bunch, who all bring something unique and special to the patients on the ward. I could not do what they do, but I’m so very grateful that they have chosen careers to care for others. I have such respect for their selfless, tireless commitment. I can not think how I will ever be able to repay their kindness.

Thank you to the Dream Team on Ward 7c who have all played their part in caring for me and supporting my family - Nursing/Aux/Domestic team - Dolly, Robyn, Linda, Lyndsey, Lyndsey R, Halley, Kirsten, Anne-Marie, Linda, Aileen, Rebecca, Debbie, Geri, Charlene, Rhona, Bernie, Jesus, Linda, Mairead, Susan

Consultants

It is testament to an incredible team that I have even been seen by so many of the Respiratory consultants Dr Anderson, Dr Witters, Dr O’Dowd, Dr Kewan and Dr Jo. Due to the way they work together, it meant that even when Dr Anderson was on annual leave, they were aware of my condition and ongoing treatment plan. I am incredibly grateful for their dedication to their jobs and the genuine care for their patients that I have felt.

Dr Anderson is my Respiratory Consultant. He was so thorough in his pursuit of initial diagnosis and always accessible and tireless in his professional support even (including emails to Australian Hospital when I became ill whilst on a trip there in January). It’s very reassuring to attend Dr Anderson’s clinic as he has an incredibly calming manner, is brilliant at explaining medical speak in lay men’s terms and is excellent at reducing unnecessary worry, by explaining well enough what could/should be expected in the course of the treatment plan. He will always try to accommodate you in clinic as soon as possible if you/ he has any concerns at all. Above all, he is genuine, caring and funny, which means we can relate to him and discuss anything. I couldn’t want for better care

I know that there are only 24 hours in a day, but I’m not sure anyone has told Dr Anderson, as he seems to work tirelessly. It’s inspiring to see a consultant still so engaged in his area of specialism.