"Excellent care at Children's A&E"

Anything else?

I would like to write and express my gratitude for the excellent experience my son, and I had in the children’s A&E department on Sunday 5 May 2013. My family and I were visiting with family down in Reading when my son fell and hurt his arm. We attended the children’s A&E to ensure that all was well and from the first moment I was impressed with the friendliness and warmth that came from the receptionist. She was very approachable and genuinely seemed concerned with my son and his injury. The waiting area was clean and inviting as where the toilets.

We were called through to triage where the nurse engaged with Fin and she was open and willing to answer all of my questions. Following her assessment we were called though shortly after to be seen by a doctor. She too interacted with Fin on a level he could understand and was patient with his very eager and over active fidgets, due to his excitement and tiredness. She was concise and thorough with her examination and quickly sent us through for an x-ray.

Again the waiting area for an x-ray was clean and well stocked with toys and activities. The radiographer was kind and gentle and consequently Fin relaxed and was comfortable even though I couldn’t stand with him.

The doctor confirmed a fracture, much to the delight of my son!, and was detailed in her care and explanation of the treatment plan. When I explained we were from out of town she reassured me that everything necessary to ensure his care was seamless in our hometown would be taken care of - and I didn’t have to chase anything up, which I am grateful for.

The plaster room staff were friendly and extremely kind. Fin immediately warmed to them and he enjoyed his conversation with the staff.

Our experience was over in two and a half hours and I couldn’t fault the care. All the staff were professional and warm. Both my son and I felt cared for and relaxed, though what could have been a traumatic process.

I would gladly recommend Royal Berkshire to friends and family. They epitomised excellent care and proved the NHS can and does get it right.