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"A real gentleman"

About: South West Acute Hospital / Emergency Care and Medicine Services South West Acute Hospital / Medical + surgical assessment unit (ward 1) Western Health & Social Care Trust / Dementia companion service

(as a relative),

I just had to share our story , my dad was brought in to A&E by ambulance.

(In the middle of the night) .He had a fall at home after a bad infection. This was not my dad. He appeared to have delerium.

The aggression, agitation and determination to get out off A&E was so scary for us.

As we sat there his behaviour was escalating, he was verbally abusive to both staff and ourselves. Again so out of character for dad. I needed some time out for a few minutes.

On return I was greeted by a young man called Brendan , he explained his service and not to be alarmed, that he is the dementia team. He knew dad was on the pathway awaiting a dementia diagnosis already.

On return to my dad , he was sitting chatting as if he had knew Brendan his whole life. Chatting about GAA and the importance of his hospital treatment. He supported dad to mobilise , get washed and dressed. (Which he refused for anybody else).

Such an incredible service that I never knew was operating.

Dad was then transferred to ward 1 , which we found out is Brendans ward. I was over the moon. Dad asks daily for his friend with the orange.

Well done Brendan, keep up the great work!

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Responses

Response from John Kerr, Emergency Nurse Practitioner SWAH ED, Acute Services Emergency Care, WHSCT yesterday
John Kerr
Emergency Nurse Practitioner SWAH ED, Acute Services Emergency Care,
WHSCT

assess and treat

Submitted on 03/04/2025 at 19:09
Published on Care Opinion at 19:09


Dear CiaraS34

What a wonderful story to post and share, about how the power of good communication, support and empathy can have such a positive impact on both patient and relatives alike.

Brendan, I am sure will feel very proud to read how he has impacted on you and how such a big impact he made on your father. Sport is a great leveller and can bring people together in a way that nothing else can

Once again thank you for posting such a wonderful, caring story for all to read and I hope this response finds everybody well

Kindest regards

John Kerr

Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)

SWAH ED

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