"Good communication with loved ones is so important during COVID visiting restrictions"

Our 87 y. o mother was recently admitted to Craigavon Area Hospital. Initially admitted following vomiting of old blood that quickly progressed to complete kidney failure. The staff in ED were calm and thorough in assessing mum, importantly allowing us to tell them how well she normally is with good health and high quality of life for her years. Thanks to Dr Nicholl and Sr Jill For their professional reassurance she was in safe hands. Sent to theatre that evening special shout out to the night nurses in ED Amy and Ashley who kept in contact to let us know how she was.

After a scary post procedure period, off to ward 1 South. Again the nurses made calls on most days to provide updates. This is so so important as it it near on impossible to get through to the ward. She is home now and our family grateful for the care she received. All the nursing staff and physios on ward 1 south were great. With special mention to SN Alaina ( hope that spelling is right) who contacted us regularly and her kindness in her voice as well as her actions. Mum says all the nurses were very good and the soup  ( ‘second to none’) that helped her recovery. Please thank the catering staff.   Very special mention to Dr Baird who managed mums kidney function, kept a close eye and kept us up to date with progress. Also diabetes nurse special Rachel who provided us with virtual training for mums new insulin regime at home.

The key thread in this review is the critical role that regular updates play in building trust and putting families at ease during what is a very anxious time for families when loved ones are in hospital and you can’t visit. Even at times when there is nothing new to report - that’s ok it still has value for the family, still make contact just to say no change.   Days with no contact are anxious days and I imagine this is especially so if loved ones are not on the recovery journey.

At 87 it was mums first admission to hospital and she would like us to thank everyone involved in her care and while the soup was terrific she hopes not to be tasting it again too soon! Thank you on behalf of our family for building her up and returning her to us so we can enjoy more precious times at home.