"I would like to thank all staff involved in my care"

Domnall Intermediary Care Centre Ulster Hospital Emergency Department Ulster Hospital Ward 4A Northern Ireland Ambulance Service NIAS

I tested positive for #COVID19 in mid-November 2020, and thought I just had a seasonal cold, but gradually worsened over next few days, then became much more ill, requiring closer observation from nurses and some oxygen after discussion with GPs.  My oxygen saturation and blood pressure became too low, and fever and repetitions much too high, plus severe headache, photophobia and neck pain and stiffness, chills, sweats, poor appetite, diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal issues, and weakness.

After one week, nurses sought further guidance and check-up with paramedics, on the second occasion I was taken by ambulance to The Ulster Hospital Emergency Department early one Friday in November.

Once there, I was feeling very unwell, was put into continuous oxygen, examined, taken for scan/x-ray, had blood tests, and told I had serious COVID symptoms, including pneumonia affecting both lungs.  I was told I would be admitted to a designated ward asap, and treated with anti-virals, anti-biotics, steroids and pain/fever relievers.

Things are quite hazy, bit I was moved to one of the designated COVID wards, Ward 4A, late afternoon.

Once there, in the single room (10), like all rooms on the ward, it was very quiet, but that was fine as I was exhausted, and was told my observations seemed to be improving.  Various staff checked on me very regularly overnight and throughout that weekend, with oxygen being reduced.  Given the situation, they all tended to do what they needed to do, but did not hang-about.  I was very tired and sleeping or dozing a lot of time, anyway.

Everyone was COVID compliant and the whole room and bathroom kept scrupulously clean.

Meals and tea-breaks were regular and on-time, with good choices and reasonable quality, though I

it was an effort because I was so off my food.

By Monday, I felt a little better and saw a Consultant, first name Fred, who had a very calm and caring manner, who said he felt things were under-comtrol, and I might be able to leave hospital for Domnall next day, if observations remained better and stable.

On Tuesday, Fred saw me again, and said I could go to Domnall, as 5-day mix of medication would be completed at lunchtime, but not to hesitate to raise the alarm again if there was any deterioration (again).

I saw an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist after that, which felt somewhat routine, and then the charge nurse/sister gave me a discharge letter and said they arrange a routine ambulance to take me to the intermediary care centre.

Since then, I have slept a lot and been very tired, but the worst and most worrying signs and symptoms - especially saturation, reps, temperature and blood pressure, as well as photophobia and neck issues, have normalised.

I would like to thank all of the carers, nurses, doctors and all or any other staff involved in my care.  I hope we can all get through this, and would encourage everyone to follow the guidelines, and #StaySafe.

Thank you, all the best.