My little brother was admitted in September to ward 118 ICU with a suspected heart attack, his liver and kidneys were closing down and my brother was very ill.
My brother was admitted in the evening, after being rushed by ambulance from Kirkcaldy's Victoria HospitalI which is only a 10 minute walk from all our families houses. I was asked to have a seat in the waiting room and within 15 minutes a nurse called Shaun / Sean came and spoke to me and explained what was happening and took me to see my brother. My brother had a small op that night and they let me see him as soon as it was over.
That night I fell asleep in the waiting room, during that night I woke with a female nurse putting a blanket over me and turning the lights down, she said if I needed anything to let them know. My Mum and other brother came to the hospital the next afternoon, it was only then we were told how very ill he was.
My other brother had a cold but they allowed him in with a mask because the doctors said he was critical but we could all see him. The next day they had to sedate my brother and attach him to a machine to help his heart and lungs function (ECMO??). We were allowed to see him at any time.
My brother had an operation to try and repair his heart but it was too badly damaged to be properly repaired, so they said he would need another op in 4 - 6 weeks. When after 12 days my brother started to deteriorate it was decided he would have another op then.
All the time my brother was in hospital he wasn't only looked after, he was nursed and cared for. We were also kept informed every step of the way and a consultant would always find the time to come and see us if we needed to ask questions or were unsure of anything. Myself, Mum and Brother cannot thank the ward 118 staff enough.
Sadly my brother was too ill to have another operation and we knew we had to let him go. My brother died on the 24th, he died with his family around him.
Even after he died he was treated with dignity and respect. I would like to especially mention Shaun / Sean for reassuring me, making me smile and for treating my brother so gently.
"Ward 118 ICU"
About: Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France / General Medicine Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France General Medicine EH16 4SA Victoria Hospital / Cardiology Victoria Hospital Cardiology KY2 5AH Victoria Hospital / Respiratory Medicine Victoria Hospital Respiratory Medicine KY2 5AH
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Update posted by Greatful sister (a relative) 9 years ago