"I was immediately reassured"

I was sent to the casualty department of Daisy Hill Hospital by my GP who, after reviewing blood results, and the fact I was just off a plane, was of the opinion that I should be looked at in case there was a clot somewhere.

From the very second I arrived at the casualty the staff were so nice and caring.  The lady who took my details at the door, the triage nurses (and student) who first spoke with me were so empathic.  I was a bit stressed and was immediately reassured.

The department was very busy (in my opinion) but everyone had a smile and a kind word.  I was treated as a human and not a case number.

While all staff were brillant Nurse Clara was amazing.  She was professional, kind and reasuring while at the same time doing several tasks.  When my blood levels went a bit low (diabetic) away she went and got tea and toast (while still doing several other jobs).  I was treated as a human.

We hear a lot of criticism about the Health Service - but I witnessed a great group of professionals doing their job in a stressed environment that was much too small for what they had to do - yet they did it.

I interacted with a lot of casualty staff that evening from X Ray and CT as well as  ECG and bloods.  All without exception were fantastic.  I was treated as a human.

I am profoundly grateful to all the staff at Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry and to my own GP, Dr Curran who acted so promptly. I wish them all the very best in these difficult times.