"Paediatric heart surgery"

We were pleased when my daughter finally got her VSD repair in Dublin. This was on our 5th attempt and we had significant communication issues in the lead up to the operation. However, upon arrival our daughter was well treated and I especially appreciated how the nursing staff, and play assistant, helped in reassuring her throughout her 2 day stay. Restrictions, linked to COVID, made it difficult to visit as one parent but we were grateful to be able to swap over in this role also. At this stage, perhaps consideration should be given (by the government) to doubly vaccinated parents to allow access to sitting areas or kitchen facilities. The only food available on site was sandwich based and this was similar in the immediate area around the hospital. While the food was nice enough, I’m sure it is difficult for parents of more long term patients in the hospital. Again, this is linked to COVID so I understand it is difficult.

Upon returning home to NI, our daughter was very sick (a few days) later and we brought her to ED in Royal Children’s hospital, Belfast as a precaution. I really appreciated that both Dr Sands and Dr ‘ Nicola’ from Cardiology did a full work up in ED on my daughter to ensure this was not cardiac related.  A follow up phone call the next day was also much appreciated along with advice regarding any potential link to medication.