Care Opinion

Exceptional staff

Posted By Dei2021

"Exceptional staff"

About: Causeway Hospital / Accident & Emergency Causeway Hospital / Mental Health Liason Service

(as a service user),

Three years ago I was brought to causeway A&E following a significant suicide attempt. This feels like a distant nightmare now but I want to acknowledge the amazing staff who looked after me in the emergency department.  After attending other places ‬countless times in distress and being turned away, the kindness and compassion I received by all the staff was outstanding. I am so sorry I can’t remember any names or faces, but I will never forget how the staff made me feel. They not only saved my life, but they took me seriously, didn’t see me as a time waster, and set me on the path to recovery by ensuring I had support in the community. I had attended other a&es on various occasions and was unfortunately not met with this kind of support, I honestly believe I'd be dead by now had it not been for your exceptional staff. 

Special mention Agnes from the RAID team, she was absolutely exceptional and sorted out my aftercare in the Belfast trust which were initially reluctant to give me home treatment team care.  She’s a true advocate for her patients. Unfortunately I can’t remember any of the names of the other nurses or doctors but each and every one of them treated me (and my parents who were obviously very distressed) with kindness, respect and compassion. 

I am now a qualified midwife and I always strive to provide the same level of compassionate, trauma informed care to my patients. The team in causeway a&e are worth their weight in gold! Thank you so much. 

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Responses

Response from Natalie McLaughlin, Clinical Services Manager, Renal & Endo-Diabetes, Ward B2, Ward C5 and Renal Unit., Northern Health and Social Care Trust 3 years ago
Natalie McLaughlin
Clinical Services Manager, Renal & Endo-Diabetes, Ward B2, Ward C5 and Renal Unit.,
Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 13/04/2021 at 18:32
Published on Care Opinion at 18:32

To Dei2021

My name is Natalie McLaughlin, and I am the assistant clinical services manager of the Emergency Department in Causeway.

Firstly congratualtions on qualifiying as a midwife, a very rewarding role, helping to bring new life into the world. This is a great achievement, and you must be immensely proud of yourself.

I am sorry to hear that you went through some difficult times, but it is wonderful to hear that you have come thorugh this stage in your life. It is also humbling to hear that the staff of the A & E were there to care for you, support you and treat you with dignity and respect. The staff in the ED, will be really thankful to receive this feedback, and will apprciate you taking the time to post this.

On behalf of the ED team, I wish you every sucess in your future career.

Kindest Regards

Natalie McLaughlin

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Response from Ruth Brown, Services Manager, Mental Health Liaison Service, NHSCT 3 years ago
Ruth Brown
Services Manager, Mental Health Liaison Service,
NHSCT

Submitted on 22/04/2021 at 18:58
Published on Care Opinion at 19:00

To Dei2021,

My name is Ruth Brown and I am the Service Manager of the Mental Health Liaison Service (formally known as RAID) in Causeway and Antrim Area Hospital.

On sharing your comments, Agnes and the team were so heartened and appreciative of your lovely written compliments. It means so much to us that you took the time to acknowledge and commend the care and treatment you received which set you on the right path to full recovery.

Well done, good for you on the fantastic achievement on becoming a midwife and we all wish you well in your ensuing career. We know the health service is fortunate to have gained a genuine and sensitive to need nurse who will serve her patients admirably through lived experiences.

Take care of yourself, best wishes

Ruth Brown

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