Doctor Andy and a team of giants at Our Lady of Lourdes
OPEN LETTER FROM FAMILY WHO WENT TO THE LOURDES HAVING HEARD ‘HORROR STORIES’ ABOUT OVERCROWDING AND LEFT INSPIRED BY THOSE WORKING THERE
DEAR Sir,
WHEN my husband was told he’d have to go to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital immediately after visiting our family doctor two weeks ago, I just said, ‘oh no!’
Like everybody else, I’ve heard the horror stories and wondered would we be better just staying on the motorway and going to the Mater - it would probably be quicker!
But, we decided to give it a go and arrived at the Lourdes, parked up and in we went.
Yes, we saw the trolleys - about 20 people of varying ages lying on them. It is a sobering sight.
We met a very friendly man at the reception and he put us at ease immediately. He asked my husband when was the last time he was here and he replied when he was three. ‘We’d like a few more like you!,’ he quickly replied.
My husband had an infection and only now did we realise how dangerous it was. He was running the risk of blood poisoning at any minute.
Within two minutes a lovely nurse came out and the whole process began. Within 45 minutes he was hooked up to a drip, had tests done and was told he’d be having surgery the following day. ‘Don’t panic, we’ll sort you,’ was their comment.
But from that first meeting with these amazing people, we knew we were in safe and gentle hands.
A doctor called Andy, American I think, was the man in charge and what a man. His bedside manner was wonderful. He explained everything, putting us at our ease.
Carol, the nurse, and Jackie, a nursing assistant, were brilliant. Jackie had to go north, on a frosty road, but stayed with us until everything was sorted.
I think another one missed a trip to Smith’s because of us - sorry about that.
The nurses in the ward were anazing, truly great people despite all the pressure they are under.
After his operation, my husband was discharged and although the consequences of his illness could have been disasterous - we did get to meet some brilliant people and see, at first hand, what a team there is at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
I would describe the place as a whirlwind of efficiency. Yours, A happy Dundalk family. (Name and details with editor).