"Kind and thoughtful care for my sister's Covid-19 vaccination"

My sister is significantly sight impaired, has a mitral valve issue, osteoporosis, and several allergies for which she has to carry two epipens at all times.

Because of this her GP communicated with the head of the vaccine programme at the Ulster Hospital (Craig) to see if she would be able to have a vaccine - which she definitely wanted to have if possible. It was agreed that she could but it would have to be administered in the hospital in case she took a negative reaction to it.

I am her only brother and because of previous strokes need to use a rollator, so I was accompanying her on the day. 

On the day, perhaps because of my visible disability and my sister's white cane, we were fast-tracked through the triage process despite the fact that there were around 40 people in the queue ahead of us.

After a brief wait we went in to the nurse, Julie, who after listening to the list of my sister's issues and especially because of the allergy aspect went and brought in a doctor to talk with her.

This doctor (Dr Drew) was very easy to talk with, most reassuring, and set out the pros and cons of the situation for my sister. She also suggested that after getting the vaccine it would be advantageous to sit for 30 minutes instead of the usual 15. 

After getting her vaccine, Julie very kindly aided my sister along the corridor to a chair and gave instructions to others to keep an eye out for her. We have nothing but praise for both Dr Drew and Julie Chambers for their professionalism and genuine care.

We also want to thank trainee nurse Asha and nurse Lee who were very diligent in making sure that my sister was OK and getting her a drink of water as she was very warm - the hospital was hot that day. Lee especially checked with us and kept us right on the time we were sitting.

After the final paperwork was dealt with at the counter she took us outside by a shorter route. Our thanks to her and the other nurse. 

My sister's next appointment for the 2nd vaccination at the end of May will be at the SSE arena in Belfast, which if I am being honest will be more difficult for us to get to, as neither of us find public transport the easiest to use.