"The highest standard of care"

My sister was admitted to RICU in 5 North after suddenly becoming critically ill. For 18 days in that newly located unit she received the highest standard of quality care, centered round not only her needs but the needs of us, her very anxious family. It was a nightmare and a position that no family wishes to find themselves in, however the care provided by all the different professional groupings  involved was just so skilled, compassionate and at all times we could clearly see that she was an exceptional unit with the best available care.

I am a health care professional myself but no amount course attendances and/or qualifications (and I’ve attended a few) teach you how to manage/react to the feelings of fear, uncertainty and helplessness when your only sibling is so very ill in an intensive care unit. The staff were cognisant that I had some knowledge but also empathetic about the unchartered territory I was attempting to navigate my way through. One nurse suggested keeping a journal. I’d never have thought of it but did as she suggested. As well as being cathartic for me it has helped my sister fill it the blanks regarding the days of which she has no recollection. It has been crucial in her ongoing rehabilitation as she is much more realistic  now she realises having heard excerpts of the journal about just how ill she was.

The level of communication (a core component of best care) that we experienced was simply gold standard. Such exemplary communication was multidimensional. Firstly, the communication amongst the team as evidenced by sustained consistency and clarity in all interactions. Secondly, communication to my sister demonstrated by a continuous caring yet individualised approach and thirdly, to us her family affirmed through the sensitive, clear/honest responses to our many questions and those crucial and so important regular telephone updates from the assigned nurse during each shift. I think these updates were introduced when as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic visiting was even more restricted than it was during my sister’s admission, please don’t lose these they are just so reassuring and empowering.  

We will be forever grateful to this outstanding team for the treatment and impeccable care provided it undoubtedly saved my sister’s  life. I many professionals and teams could learn from this Regional Unit.