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Care Opinion

Saving our son's life

Posted By Parent2021

"Saving our son's life"

About: Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Emergency department Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Paediatrics Northern Ireland Ambulance Service / Emergency ambulance response Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick children / Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

(as a parent/guardian),

In the early hours of Saturday at the beginning of November 2021, my 4 year old son was rushed to Resus in Altnagelvin hospital via Ambulance. Unfortunately this was not his first visit to Resus. 

He was in status seizure and was already seizing for 55 minutes before arrival. As this was not his first visit to Resus for the same situation, (as his parent attending with him) I knew that this team was very prepared and well organised. They quickly and calmly communicated together to maintain my son's airway and with the help of Anaesthetics, safely put him into a medically induced coma. We have been in this situation many times with our son. This one stands out for us due to the efficiency of the staff. We would like to thank them for saving our son's life. We would also like to thank the paramedic crew who got him to hospital so quickly, the team in theatres,  the transport team and the ICU team in Belfast, and the children's ward team in Altnagelvin who all did their part in caring so well for him. Thank you.

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Responses

Response from Amanda Sweetlove, NIAS, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service 2 years ago
Amanda Sweetlove
NIAS,
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service

Service User feedback

Submitted on 16/11/2021 at 11:22
Published on Care Opinion at 11:22

picture of Amanda Sweetlove

Dear Parent2021

Sadly your son appears to have a condition whereby you need to be prepared for every medical eventuality however, the emotional trauma suffered during each episode must be horrific for you and your family.

We can only offer a heartfelt thank you for taking the time to share your extremely positive experience from what is most probably a parents worst nightmare (a seriously ill child). I know your son has received the very best of care and will continue to do so until his condition can be stabilised in the long term. I hope you are also finding some support as his carer.

If you would like me to share your compliments directly with the crew involved I would be grateful if you could contact me on amanda.sweetlove@nias.hscni.net to provide me with a few extra details to help locate and identify them.

Wishing your son a speedy recovery.

Take care

Amanda

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Response from Ciaran Bradley, Service Manager, SPECIALIST HOSPITALS & WOMEN'S HEALTH, Belfast HSC Trust 2 years ago
Ciaran Bradley
Service Manager, SPECIALIST HOSPITALS & WOMEN'S HEALTH,
Belfast HSC Trust

Submitted on 16/11/2021 at 13:55
Published on Care Opinion at 14:34

Dear Parent2021

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. I can't imagine what a traumatic time this must have been for you and your family.

I have passed on your kind remarks to the Team in PICU and we are all delighted to know that your son has continued to improve after his stay with us. They also wanted me to pass on their best wishes to him as he continues on his road to recovery, and to you, and to send their thanks to you for firstly letting them know how he is, but also for taking the time to acknowledge them in doing so.

Thank you

Ciaran

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Response from Laura Dalzell, Deputy Ward Sister, Emergency Department Altnagelvin, Western Health & Social Care Trust 2 years ago
Laura Dalzell
Deputy Ward Sister, Emergency Department Altnagelvin,
Western Health & Social Care Trust

Submitted on 23/11/2021 at 12:16
Published on Care Opinion at 15:25

Dear Parent2021,

Thank very much for taking time to share this experience regarding your sons recent visit to Altnagelvin Emergency Department.

I was one of the nurses involved in your sons care that night and I wish to thank you for these kind comments. For such a traumatic experience for both you and him, we valued your knowledge of your sons needs and your calm and collective approach at such a distressing time.

Your kind words have been passed on to all those involved in your sons care whilst in ED and we are so glad to hear he is making a good recovery.

Thanks again,

Laura

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Response from Yvonne Devenney, Ward Manager, Ward 6 & 16 Children's Altnagelvin ( W&C), WHSCT 2 years ago
Yvonne Devenney
Ward Manager, Ward 6 & 16 Children's Altnagelvin ( W&C),
WHSCT

Submitted on 23/11/2021 at 16:24
Published on Care Opinion on 24/11/2021 at 09:27

Dear Parent2021

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. I hope you, your family and your son are all well.

I am delighted that you felt the team were prepared and organised. I can only hope that this helped reduce the obvious stress and anxiety for you as parents in this situation.

As the parents of a child with a complex medical background, such as your son, your feedback is essential to all members of the team involved in his care. We have full admiration for your family's devotion and care of your son and will strive to ensure you are all looked after while with us on the ward.

I will happily share your kind comments with the team.

Thanks again

Yvonne

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