"Attendance at OPAU/RAC"

My mother attended the OPAU/RAC in Daisy Hill Hospital on Monday 22nd February. I accompanied her.

Can I just say that I found the entire experience superb from start to finish.

It is the most fantastic service I have ever experienced in any health care system. 

Each and every member of staff was person centred, told us who they were, what their role was and treated my mother and myself with utmost respect and compassion, whilst also having a “bit of banter” with us, which really put my mother at her ease.

Everything was explained in an unhurried manner.

Holistic assessment was undertaken and time was spent listening to what we had to say in order to really try to get to the bottom of things. None should ever underestimate the value of being heard, given a voice.

Multiple investigations were organised and carried out efficiently and with explanation of procedure and results. Requests for additional MDT input from Radiology and Roisin OT, were quickly responded to and onward referrals were made effortlessly.

From Chloe’s cheerful manner and kindness, to Sam’s correct undertaking of lying and standing B/P, to Dr McPolin’s sensitive yet persistent “detective work” through to Cons Sloan’s solving the puzzle and acting on this–an indescribable relief- each and everyone’s input was essential and invaluable to making things happen for us.

A special thanks also to Sister Joanne who managed the unit so efficiently. As well as keeping things running smoothly she also managed to put us centre stage and make us feel so valued. It’s funny, but when you are on the other side of the fence, it is also the little things like the offer of a cup of tea or a bowl of soup, that matter. They indicate genuineness and humility which are as essential as the professionalism each member of this team demonstrated.

It is great to experience a Service which goes the extra mile, treats the patient as a person, works with them to address “What Matters” to them.