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"The paramedics coming out to my uncle"

About: Northern Ireland Ambulance Service / Emergency ambulance response

(as a relative),

My uncle, who is in his 80's, took unwell at home and the out of hours doctor called an ambulance after we phoned on Saturday afternoon. He was obviously very unwell and very anxious. Anxiety heightened by the fact that his wife, who is in their 90's, had been an emergency admission to hospital the previous evening. When the two paramedics arrived (Shauna and Ciara) they were so patient and understanding to my uncle and reassuring to my sister and I. My uncle was adamant that he was not going to hospital and the paramedics persevered and showed great compassion in persuading him to get into chair and agreed to go to hospital.  

It was a very stressful time and Ciara and Shauna did amazing to make sure my uncle got to Antrim Area Hospital to get the care he really needed. They totally won him over and before the ambulance set off he was asking for his hearing aids (Which he had refused to use all morning for us) and was full of chat to the two paramedics- testimony to their excellent interpersonal and caring skills.  The paramedics were true heroes to our family that day.  With both aunt and uncle taking unwell in 24 hours, we as a family so valued the NIAS that weekend. I would like to formally record our sincere thanks to them.  

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Responses

Response from Demi McKay, Personal Public Involvement & Patient Experience, Quality & Safety Improvement, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service 3 years ago
Demi McKay
Personal Public Involvement & Patient Experience, Quality & Safety Improvement,
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service

work with service users of NIAS, chair of stakeholder forum events

Submitted on 28/09/2022 at 14:16
Published on Care Opinion at 14:16


picture of Demi McKay

Good Afternoon,

Thank you for taking the time to share your extremely positive experience from what must have been a very frightening time for you.

I am pleased to learn we delivered a compassionate and professional service to your elderly uncle as we make it our mission to provide the right resource first time and in doing so providing the best patient care. Very often elderly patients do not wish to cause a fuss nor be taken to hospital - so I am particularly reassured to hear the paramedics were sensitive to your uncles' concerns. I have no doubt the paramedics who attended would be very touched to hear how their actions helped reduce the anxiety related with an unplanned hospital admission.

We are continually reminded of the remarkable communication skills of our staff as they care for individuals at often vulnerable times in their lives. It is very uplifting to hear how Ciara and Shauna ensured they delivered very person-centred care and of the impact that this had on you and your family.

For me to identify and locate all colleagues involved in both emergency experiences with your uncle and with his wife, I would require a few extra details from you. I hope you are happy to discuss further, I can be reached on demi.mckay@nias.hscni.net

I wish your loved ones a full and speedy recovery.

Thank you again and best wishes

Demi McKay

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