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Visit to out patient dept

Posted By Caw1976

"Visit to out patient dept"

About: South West Acute Hospital / Outpatient clinics

(as a parent/guardian),

My child with ASD was lucky to get an appointment with dermatology. The first visit with the consultant in SWAH area 2 outpatients was great, and they requested bloods and for us to attend the blood room. We were called into blood room and my child was so nervous to have bloods taken. When asked to sit down I was told that they shouldn't be doing bloods on anyone under the age of 16 and that normally we would be sent to children's ward. 

I totally understood and I offered to take them there. This was mentioned again by the same person but they sought consent from my child to carry on and obtain the bloods. We offered distraction until the bloods were all taken. I feel this could've been handled much more sensitively and would have helped lessen my child's already heightened anxiety level.

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Responses

Response from Grainne Blake, Outpatients Sister SWAH, Acute, WHSCT 2 years ago
We are preparing to make a change
Grainne Blake
Outpatients Sister SWAH, Acute,
WHSCT

Submitted on 04/02/2022 at 15:58
Published on Care Opinion at 16:35

Dear Caw1976

Thank you for sharing you and your child's experience in Outpatients Department on Care Opinion.

I am glad to know the first stage of your visit was a positive one for both of you.

I am so sorry however, to hear of the anxiety that you and your child experienced while attending the blood room.

Your valuable feedback will be shared with the Outpatients team to allow for reflection and learning, to help ensure more awareness of individual needs and a more sensitive approach while attending our service.

I wish to offer a sincere apology for the anxiety that you and your child experienced while attending the blood room.

I would welcome a call, if you would like to follow up and discuss your experience personally with me.

I can be contacted by email, grainne.blake@westerntrust.hscni.net or by telephone 028 66 38200, Extension 252181.

Kind Regards

Grainne Blake

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Response from Grainne Blake, Outpatients Sister SWAH, Acute, WHSCT nearly 2 years ago
We have made a change
Grainne Blake
Outpatients Sister SWAH, Acute,
WHSCT

Submitted on 22/06/2022 at 17:56
Published on Care Opinion on 23/06/2022 at 08:41

Hello Caw1976

I wanted to update you on your original posting

The issues you raised I did discuss with the member of staff who was genuinely upset and didn’t mean to cause any offence or further distress to you or your child. This was unintentional. She has reflected and is aware of the need for sensitivity.

Best wishes

Sr Grainne Blake

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