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My mother's visit to the Older Persons Assessment Unit/RAC,

Posted By caronewry

"My mother's visit to the Older Persons Assessment Unit/RAC,"

About: Daisy Hill Hospital / Physiotherapy Daisy Hill Hospital / Rapid Access Clinic

(as a relative),

My 76 year old mother spent 4 hours today being assessed by a team including a physio, nurse, doctor and consultant.

After all the tests and looking at results from scans, they were able to give her a diagnosis and offer further referral and advice.

My mother who 3 weeks previously, following a vasovagal episode, had a horrendous experience in the a&e department of the same hospital Daisy Hill and who was reluctant to ever go back, had a very positive experience today in OPAU.

She was given tea and a snack mid morning and given a lovely meal as she was there from 10.30am-2.30pm. From the receptionist Chloe who reassured my mother on the phone prior to the appointment and brought us in straight away on arrival to the physio Edel, nurse Joanne, Doctor Lisa and consultant Gerry Sloan, they were extremely patient and caring and took the time to get to the bottom of what was causing my mother to feel so unwell. She was so appreciative and thanked each of them for their kindness.  I think they have restored her faith in the health service.

This is the quality of service that should be available to all older persons, regardless of what department they go to. 

While the a&e experience caused her to have post trauma for days afterwards, today's experience answered all her questions and alleviated all her fears and anxiety.

Great team work by all in the OPAU and a big thank you from me and my mother!

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Responses

Response from Yvonne Murphy, Manager, Acute Care at Home, Southern Health and Social Care Trust 2 years ago
Yvonne Murphy
Manager, Acute Care at Home,
Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 11/10/2021 at 13:40
Published on Care Opinion at 13:40

picture of Yvonne Murphy

Hello caronewry,

Many thanks for taking the time to feedback to us about your mother's experience both within A&E and OPAU. I manage the OPAU unit and have shared your feedback with the staff involved there and will share with those in A&E.

The A&E dept can be very pressurised on occasion, with that in mind, it is often better, if appropriate, that our over 65 population are assessed within the OPAU which is a more conducive environment to meet their needs. I am so delighted that your mum was able to avail of OPAU and be assessed there. They are a great team and have warmly received your lovely comments.

Should your mother need to use this service again, then her GP can directly refer her to it Mon to Fri 9-5. I do, however, hope she remains well.

Many thanks,

Yvonne

Yvonne Murphy

Team Manager Acute Care at Home Team and Older Peoples Ambulatory Services

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