"Reassurance for my son at Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital"

My 6 year old son broke his wrist. He is very scared of things he doesn't understand and is a very bright little boy who asks very searching questions and thinks about everything very deeply. He also hates loud noise. In August we went to see if his arm had healed and the cast could come off.

I am so very impressed with everyone we came into contact with that day as they all, without exception, went out of their way to answer his questions, calm his fears and treat him as an individual. Everyone listened to me when I explained his worries.

The plaster room gave him ear defenders and spent time explaining how the saw worked, giving him time to take it in and calm down and then took time to explain why his wrist was hurting. They even offered to help him clean his wrist gently as he was upset by some dirt and they wanted him to be careful with it until seen by the doctor.

Then, at x-ray they took time to explain what they were doing and why and even showed him the x-ray and the healing break. Again, taking time to explain why his arm was hurting and assure him how normal it was.

A porter saw we were a bit lost in the corridor and asked where we were going, telling us the way.

Back at the Orthopaedic Clinic, the Registrar spent a lot of time explaining to my son why his arm was hurting and showing him on the x-ray that it was healing. Several people had worried my son, telling him that they had rebroken their bone straight away and the Registrar again spent time talking with him about this. I am so pleased he treated my son as an individual who's fears were real, despite his age.

My son absolutely hated the wrist splint he was given and the way it felt and the nurse again spent time with him, offering to get the doctor back. No one rushed him, and everyone we met gave my son time to understand what was happening and accept it.

Thank You.