"Ward 1 ...lovely x"

My son has open access to Ward 1 due to his chronic health conditions, he also has learning difficulties which leave him with very high stress and anxiety levels. My son can find it very hard to communicate with people he is unfamiliar with or doesn't know and even when he is really unwell he will tell you that he is 'fine'.

On Bank Holiday I took my son to Ward 1 as I could see his health was deteriorating and wanted to get him checked by the medical team before he became very unwell.

As usual we arrived on to Ward 1 and my son was welcomed back by the nurses on duty which instantly made him feel at ease and we were shown to a bed. There were new nurses on duty that my son had not yet met and they all came and introduced themselves to us both. The staff acted very quickly and the medical team soon arrived to assess my son. Upon examination my son became very distressed and struggled to breathe, again staff worked very quickly to give him medication to help his condition. After a while I realised that my son was not responding as good as he normally would do to his medication and I began to worry. My son told the doctor that he felt fine as he normally would do. I then noticed the Ward 1 staff observing my son and staff nurse Laura came in to see us as she had noticed that my son was still struggling,

Laura along with the other staff members have got to know my son over time and knew immediately that he was not 'fine'. My worries were soon addressed as they all acted so very professionally to make sure that the care we received was exceptional. If it wasn't for the Ward's swift actions I really feel my son would not be here today. A special thank you to Dr Bindal who was on call, she could see how distraught my son was and she sat and held his hand as she very clearly explained to him what was happening in terms that he understood, Victoria Harrison the Paediatric Respiritory nurse specialist for attending the ward to support both my son and myself and hold his hand whilst he had cannulas put in (even though she was not on duty). Staff nurse Jo-Anne for looking after him on that particular night. HCA Lisa Turner for being so lovely, staff nurse Liz for always being amazing. Also a huge thank you to my sons consultant Dr Onyon for her wonderful care and treatment every time we see her. Also the Ward 1 domestic Sharon makes our stay welcome, her happy approach makes everyone smile.

Each and every member of staff on Ward 1 (including the doctors) deserve more than just a thank you, they really are wonderful.