"Emergency appendix operation"

My 15yr old son complained of stomach pains and it got progressively worse and when he vomited we took him to our local A&E. He was admitted quickly and tests showed it was likely his appendix. Upon admission we informed the staff he had a genetic heart complaint and of the drugs he must avoid. Theatre was scheduled for that day. The nurses assigned to us were excellent, (Children’s Ward level 6 Alana &  Siofra. Their care of our son and level of communication with us throughout the day as we waited for the theatre time was unquestionable. 

The surgical team leader Mr Hashim spoke at length with us as he explained that our son was at high risk of arrest under anaesthetic and  how they were working with my son’s cardiac consultant to ensure the risks were mitigated as much as possible. The surgery went ahead with an anaesthetists team, a cardiac team and the surgical team all in the theatre with our son. My wife was invited into the theatre and Mr Hasim introduced the teams and explained to her very unambiguously the risks of going ahead with the operation but also assured her that the teams were ready to deal with all possible scenarios.

The surgery went ahead and there were no complications. During the surgery the anaesthetist called up to the ward where we were waiting and the nurse delivered messages on how our son was reacting to the anaesthetic and how his heart was reacting to the pressures of surgery. We know So much of our experience is not normal procedure, it showed how the medical personnel took our sons issues very seriously. 

Post op was just as considerate, they kept our son in for 2 days while they monitored his heart and only discharged him when the cardiac team were satisfied. 

This was an extremely high risk hospital experience added to by the COVID 19 risks that was managed by everyone we came in contact with with complete Calm professionalism.  Thank you to everyone involved.