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We would like to extend our sincere gratitude

Posted By Lola1984

"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude"

About: Northern Ireland Ambulance Service / Emergency ambulance response Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick children / Emergency Department Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick children / Northern Ireland Specialist Transport and Retrieval (NISTAR) Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick children / Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick children / Paul Ward

(as a parent/guardian),

My partner and I cannot put into words the gratitude we feel towards every member of the team that has looked after our son the last 5 months. 

Our 8 year old was involved in a road accident in July 2021, and his injuries were catastrophic. He was attended at the scene first by off duty doctors and nurses, then by NIAS and NISTAR.

We were told on his arrival at accident and emergency that his injuries were critical. As a nurse myself I knew we were being prepared for the worst. 

Nevertheless, thanks to the immediate response of the emergency services and transport teams and amazing care he received in A and E, he was stable enough to transfer to PICU, where he stayed for twenty days. The one on one meticulous care that each and every staff member there gave him enabled him to eventually move to Paul Ward. 

At this early stage of a traumatic brain injury noone can really tell you how the days ahead will pan out. The ward team, of nurses, healthcare assistants, physios, doctors, occupational therapist and speech and language therapists have been excellent from admission, not only in caring for my son, but they have shown empathy, understanding and acknowledgement of the role my partner and I play in my sons recovery. They are the most amazing team who have empowered my son to strive for the best and supported him, praising him every day for his ongoing progress. 

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has been involved in his care, from saving his life, to pushing him to meet his goals. 

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 22/12/2021 at 11:37
Published on Care Opinion at 11:37

picture of Amanda Sweetlove

Dear Lola1984

What a devastating series of events for both you, your partner and your son however it is clear that he is an absolute fighting warrior to have overcome everything you have so passionately described.

No-one could begin to imagine the trauma your family has experienced during the last five months. The emotional highs and the devastating lows, which all take their toll on day to day life.

It is clear you feel very strongly that all the staff involved from the first on scene to the newest members of his care team have played a huge part in his recovery and no doubt have given you and your family members some much needed support along the way.

I know the NIAS staff involved would be thrilled to hear how much your son has fought his brave and courageous battle. I would happily share your compliments with them if you would be prepared to share a few extra details of the event with me privately on amanda.sweetlove@nias.hscni.net.

Thank you for sharing this most uplifting story of your son who has fought the biggest battle of his short life with such might.

I hope you have the Christmas to beat all Christmas's knowing how far he has come and what a miracle he truly is.

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 13/01/2022 at 17:58
Published on Care Opinion at 17:58

Dear Lola1984

Thank you for your kind words about the treatment and care your family have received in RBHSC and I apologise for only coming back to acknowledge you now.

I have shared your compliment with the Teams in the hospital you mentioned and they all wish to thank you for your message of support and recognition for all they have done, particularly given the traumatic experiences you have all had to endure.

We all hope his recovery continues as planned. We know it can be a difficult time achieving all those goals and expectations to be met, but we will continue on that journey with you all, until you don't need our help anymore.

Ciaran

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Response from Ciaran McKenna, Service Manager, Division of Child Services, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust 2 years ago
Ciaran McKenna
Service Manager, Division of Child Services,
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 14/01/2022 at 08:56
Published on Care Opinion at 09:48

Good morning Lola1984

Sorry to hear about your sons accident.

Many thanks for sharing your kind words. I'll pass on your thanks to the NISTAR team who transferred your son to PICU.

I hope your son continues to do well

All the best

Ciaran

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