"Forever grateful for my son's care in PICU"

In November 2024 , my 3 month old son become critically ill with RSV. He required transfer to the PICU in the Royal hospital for Sick Children in Belfast.

Firstly the amazing team from NIstar, who came and collected him from Altnagelvin hospital and transported him to the Royal, were real angels, in the midst of the worst time of my husband and I's life. They provided such a warmth and reassurance that my little boy would be safe in their hands. They updated us via text on his journey up the road and the care they provided was exceptional. I have no doubt that the work of Dr Stephen and Nurse Linda on that journey saved my son's life.

The care my son received at the Royal PICU was truly remarkable, the dedication of all the staff involved from the domestic and support staff right through to the top consultants, everyone we encountered on the ward was truly amazing.

The 1-1 care he received and also towards my husband and I will never be forgotten. Our little boy was so ill, he required a high level of life support that was offered at the Royal - the oscillator. A truly life saving machine  The work that the staff carried out was truly miraculous and saved my son's life.

Every decision that the medical and nursing staff made was communicated to us directly and explained so we could understand what was happening. 

They treated my little boy so lovingly whilst he was so ill. I was clear to see that those within the PICU really cared for their patients. Likewise the way you treated us as parents was truly humbling. My son's twin sister was also unwell in Altnagelvin hospital at the same time and the staff always asked how she was doing and kept things positive for us.

A special thank you to all the staff who worked on our son. You really are angels and saved my son's life.

A special thank you to Dr Stephen, Dr Michael, Dr Chris, also another consultant who I can't recall the name for, but treated my son on his second day at the Royal and had a discussion around ECHMO. Your bedside manner was beautiful and the care towards us as parents and the position we were in will be forever remembered. Another doctor who I can't recall the name of but had a son around the same age, who was very tentative towards him.

Super nurses Pauline, Siobhan, Louise, Zoe, Lawrence and Emmett who were all my son's nurses over our stay at the royal. There are no words to thank you all and we are forever in your debt. You are all a credit to your profession. We felt so reassured under your care that he was in safe hands, allowing us to have some rest when needed.

Also something we found invaluable as parents was the ability to stay on the ward in one of the two bedrooms available. As we lived nearly 2 hours from the hospital it was invaluable to be able to stay in the facilities until we could source our own accommodation locally, particularly in the first few dark days when we were taking things hour by hour. This was approved on a priority basis and something hopefully in the future more facilities would be added so more families can avail of this service. 

Again thank you all. Forever in your debt.