"excellent A&E care"

My husband has quite the talent of going from OK to SEPTIC in mere hours, which happened last week. He looked like he was going downhill so we went to Antrim Hospital before he was too sick to drive. Last time we waited too long, an ambulance took over 2 hours to get him and he ended up in a high dependency unit and lucky to be alive. It is quite frightening to traverse todays emergency care with a complicated patient.

When we came in, We told the triage nurse that because my husband is paralysed, sepsis can come on quite quick, and the fever is usually the last thing to show up. I am so grateful that she believed us! His HR and RR was high, blood pressure "appeared" normal but numbers are only part of the story. The fever was there but not raging yet. You could tell his circulatory system was beginning to shut down; blue nailbeds and dusky lip colour.

The consultant Catherine saw the patient first. She listened to the story and agreed that my husband was quite unwell, and likely should get IV antibiotics and possible overnight stay. She began the process and attempted to get IV access. Of course he is also not an "easy stick". He has medical PTSD and one of the triggers is getting an IV. She was very kind and did a good job but could not get access, so she went to get someone with ultrasound experience. His name was Ahmed and he was very very good, so friendly and was able to get an 18g in the L AC and I was very relieved that bit was over for my husband.

Long story short, it was so full at Antrim that he was discharged, but was to come back daily and see the DAU for antibiotics. Emma, Oonagh and Claire were all lots of fun for the four days in a row my husband had to drive up to Antrim for an IV dose.

We are really concerned that the government does not seem to be taking the current A&E situation seriously and hope there is an improvement in the near future. We thank all the folks at Antrim A&E for being caring and considerate and listening to the patients. You probably saved his life (Again. He really needs to find another hobby besides sudden sepsis).

Thank you ALL!!