"Excellent care Childrens Ward Paediatric Diabetic..."

I want to tell you about my recent experience at the RUH because the professional and clinical expertise was outstanding. I am a qualified nurse (St Mary’s, Paddington 1984) and currently work as an advisor for Public Health (Wiltshire). I am all too aware that having been fortunate to receive exemplary training I have high expectations and standards as regards nursing and medical care; sadly, following my mother’s unexpected and untimely death recently (at a separate Trust Hospital) I have witnessed both the good and bad aspects of nursing care. Last Monday, my 17 year old son Anthony was urgently admitted to your Children’s Ward and diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. From the second we arrived the advice, support and care was exceptional. I naturally scrutinised every single action and questioned every event but was completely overwhelmed by the care and support given to all of my family. The nurses on every shift were kind, courteous and professional; the domestic staff were kind, friendly and helpful and I observed standards of cleanliness and hygiene that I have not seen since my days at Praed Street. I have been overwhelmed by the support provided by the Paediatric Diabetic Team, the Community Nurses and the Dieticians. On our second day myself, my husband, my older son and my brother all took part in a 2 hour educational session aimed at ensuring we had a good understanding of diabetes; she hit just the right note, making it funny, realistic and yet she was sensitive to how each of us were feeling. During Anthony’s stay on the ward we had several more sessions and these have continued since Anthony’s discharge. Even over the weekend I was contacted each day to check progress and any concerns. They were exceptionally supportive in setting up a meeting with Anthony’s school (he is in the midst of A level physics) and I have complete and absolute trust in her advice, she has shown incredible understanding and professional care. Words simply cannot express my gratitude at the high level of care we have received; I am astounded by the on-going level of support that Anthony is receiving. More importantly, because of the comprehensive package in place to facilitate Anthony in managing his own care, his blood glucose levels and insulin titration are already responding positively. Naturally, this will also have a significant impact on his long term health and this is another reason why I felt the need to write to you. If you can ensure that every young person admitted to the RUH receives this level of care you will be having a huge impact on their future. I can vouch for this having observed the devastating consequences of poor health management in the adults I see every day in my own role. Please continue to support this incredible service and thank you so much for investing in such a high quality, professional service, Regards Jackie P