"My experience in A&E and Orthopaedics"

I don't have very much history of being in hospital as I thankfully haven't had any reason seek care for over 40 years, until last week. I fell down two steps and was in immense pain, everyone around me was trying to get me back up but I knew I had injured myself really badly so an ambulance was called. I was surprised that the ambulance arrived so quickly. I was so pleased with the lady and gentleman who were looking after me, they made sure immediately that I was comfortable and was receiving pain relief as they too could see how bad my fall was. In the ambulance the staff reassured me and made me feel like I was in safe hands, I was extremely content with the care I was receiving.

As my fall happened in Newry, the ambulance was contemplating taking me to Daisy Hill first, but after an evaluation in the ambulance they made the decision to take me straight over to Craigavon as it was believed that an operation was necessary. I am so impressed with how proactive the staff were and their knowledge to make that decision was really beneficial for my treatment.  

When I arrived at Craigavon I was admitted through A&E and my experience was actually very pleasant. I was seen very quickly and the staff were so efficient. I felt very informed and knew that staff were going out of their way to ensure that everything was being communicated to me well, and in a way which I was able to understand. After a short wait in A&E and a quick overall examination it was decided that I was going to need an operation, I felt involved in this decision and knew that the doctors were actively listening to my opinion. Before I was taken in for the operation, I met and got chatting to my surgeon. He was a lovely gentleman who made sure to address all my worries and chatted through all my fears with regards to the operation. He reassured me as he chatted through the procedure and made sure I was aware of what the operation would entail. After our discussion I felt that I was left informed and relived that I was in such good hands. 

Now back on the ward to recover I am extremely content with my surroundings. The environment here on this orthopaedics ward is very pleasant and I'm finding it is making my recovery so much easier.

Everything is so clean and sanitary and I know during the current pandemic era, here I am not at any risk of contracting COVID during my recovery. I am also very relieved to see all the staff kitted out in appropriate PPE and ensuring to sanitize before and after interacting with me. The food is very nice and I am left feeling full and satisfied after any meal I receive. My room is nice and bright, I feel like I'm in a hotel. 

The staff have communicated everything throughout my recovery so far very well and they have been so accommodating in terms of their communication to me as I need hearing aids to hear properly, but I often forget to charge them so the staff have started to remind me. I have found it really difficult without being able to have any visitors in during my recovery and at times this had made me feel isolated and alone, but the care staff have been brilliant at brightening my mood and have told me about the virtual visiting service offered here which I am planning to start using. 

One thing I would suggest an improvement on is the hospital beds, I find the mattress very rubbery and uncomfortable especially after my operation when I have been in a good bit of pain. Other than this my experience has been outstanding so just a huge thanks to all the staff who have helped me recover.