"Paediatric diabetes team"

Within the last year and a half my little girl was diagnosed a Type 1 Diabetic and Autistic. 

We have had several visits to Ward 15 within the Borders General Hospital (BGH) for various different bugs and illnesses, most recent was this past week with a sickness bug. 

From the minute I phoned the ward for advice they were supportive, understanding and were great at listening to me. 

Managing her diabetes can be very complex as she is on an insulin pump with Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), and staff within the ward are often unfamiliar with the system she uses so must follow my lead.

The staff have protocols to follow and are amazing at this but often, her diabetes states otherwise and this means adjusting basal rates etc and the staff needing to trust and support me to do this which they did from the very start. 

During our stay staff were there whenever we needed them, not only medically did they excel but they made sure we were both taken care of, nothing was too much to ask and always had a listening ear.  Her autism has proved challenging during this sickness as she was put off her normal foods and stopped eating. I was at a very low point, very upset and stressed and again staff were there to help pick me up, chat through everything and offer suggestions, re-assurance, a hug and a cup of tea. 

Not once did I feel rushed to chat about anything, or that there wasn't enough time to explore options etc, they made sure no stone was unturned and guided me the whole way through.

The care, compassion, understanding, and empathy that was shown by every single member of staff on the ward, directly and indirectly dealing with my little girl was remarkable. 

Claire was the consultant this time and she was outstanding, as was the nurse practitioner Chrissy. Not only did the staff help me work out carbs and insulin amounts, sometimes minute by minute, they picked me back up when I needed a friend, they encouraged me to sleep, making up a bed in another room for a few hours undisturbed sleep, they made sure I had eaten, kept an eye on her so I could wash or go outside for some much-needed fresh air.  All this whilst doing a million other things!

If I could make any suggestions to help improve the care received it would be that the staff receive Diabetes training regularly and are made aware of the specific pumps and systems that are used within the borders.  I as a parent would have no problems coming in and offering training on the specific pump my daughter uses and any relevant information about diabetes or simply giving the parents point of view about things.  

As well as the amazing staff on the ward, I must also explain how amazing her diabetic team are.  The paediatric diabetic team within the BGH are exceptional! 

We have regular contact with Richard, her diabetic nurse, and honestly, I don't know what we would do without him.  He is supportive, caring, understanding, approachable, knowledgeable and is always there to listen, even when I moan about tech problems.  He always makes me feel included in any decisions that need to be made about her diabetes and will take on board any suggestions I make about her diabetes management and above everything else trusts me. 

Allana her dietician is equally amazing and always includes me and guides me through the never-ending changes and challenges that come with diabetes.  Graeme is her regular consultant we see at 3 monthly clinics, and as with Richard and Allana, he is always very inclusive, caring and so knowledgeable which is very reassuring and helpful. 

I must also mention the fantastic cleaning and domestic staff.  The room we were in was superbly cleaned and kept in great condition.  The staff were all so respectful, ensuring we were ok about coming into clean or empty bins. 

The canteen staff were equally lovely and very accommodating.