"Amazing care of staff"

My son had been projectile vomiting and he said he banged his head. We were advised by NHS111 to go to hospital, and was later transferred to Queen's Hospital by an ambulance for observation and test. 

It was a horrible and traumatic experience for him, especially that he’s on autism spectrum but your amazing staff including their amazing cleaner ensure that he’s looked after. 

The following staff has done above and beyond:

Amina - as soon as we arrived she introduced herself and asked how I was. I wasn’t the patient but I haven’t eaten and slept since the day before. She brought us some toast, coffee and milk. She read my son's folder and she was aware that he is on spectrum. She asked what’s the best way to communicate with him and she was talking to him in the kindest and in a manner that he will respond to her based on what I’ve told her. She listens and responds with compassion. She visited us often and ensure that doctors sees us when needed. I didn’t realise that she’s a student nurse. Her confidence, professionalism and compassion is beyond exemplary. 

Shout out to Caroline (play specialist). She was aware that my son is autistic and she engaged with him with empathy. He doesn’t usually respond to strangers but he’s happy when Caroline brought him toys. Caroline even sat on the floor so she could be on his level. He usually avoids eye contact but he did look at Caroline and engaged with her. He can feel Caroline’s genuine care and kindness so he played with her. 

Afuar (cleaner)- there was 1 doctor , 1 nurse and myself trying to hold my son whilst the other doctor was trying to get blood from him. He was so upset after the blood pricked on his finger that he threw a massive tantrum. It was dangerous because he could hurt himself. Afuar when she went to our room, picked him up and started rocking him. He is a strong boy and even I couldn’t subdue him when he’s having a meltdown. She was so strong to carry him to ensure he won’t hurt himself and she started rocking him until he settled. Once he finished crying, she put him on the bed and within 5 minutes he fell asleep. It wasn’t her job to do that but her first instinct is to help and ensure my son’s safety. 

Darlene - when we were discharged, my son was still asleep and I have to wake him up. He threw a tantrum again and I was worried how to take him out of the hospital. I couldn’t carry him due bad back and I was so stressed. Also, he had half syringe of sedation so he could still be drowsy. Nurse Darlene ensure that we have a smooth discharge and she told him excitedly about going home and he listened to what he called her Miss Nurse. Darlene got us a wheelchair without even me asking for it and wheeled him out of the hospital. In his half-awake state, simple things being wheeled out he enjoyed the ride. And for me it makes a lot of difference. I don’t have to worry and stress about hurting my back.