Early Monday morning I faced something that I thought would be one of my biggest fears. At 3:30am I new I needed to go to A and E. Making the situation even harder was the fact I was going to have too do this alone (my husband needed to stay with the kids). As an autistic adult I knew that there would be a lot on things I might not understand, there would defiantly be triggers, sensory overload and new situation/people anxiety.
My experience at north mid was incredible!
The reception staff were clear and helpful when I arrived unable to talk.
An assessment nurse took time, I gave her my note explaining what was wrong.
The security staff stood near me as a fight broke out in the waiting area making me feel protected and seen. A doctor helped me through to a bed behind the assessment area, telling me what would happen, she told me I was her last patient.
I got introduced to a nurse called Sam, he explained how I should behave (I had no idea what was appropriate or expected), he said that I didn't need to sit up and that I should "be relaxed and be looked after today". A lady took my blood. Another doctor with a headscarf and blue handbag came into the cubical speaking very calmly, she ordered me a scan at 10:45am. She talked to me about a walk for cancer she had done.
I met Rome (sorry I hope I have your name right) the amazing porter with 14 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rome likes rum. He took me on the trolley to my scan and helped me to get over wanted to hide my head under my coat.
In the scan room Daniel an (Alex Brooker look alike ) talked about "where's wally' being on his Dentists ceiling. A quiet but solidly confident man in a blue top looked at all my organs. Daniel also said not to look at doctor Google he is usually wrong.
Rome to my surprise also came back to take me to a ward. AMU. On the ward I met "room 12" Tracey who talked to me about how the drip equipment worked (I love learning things). Then there was another doctor with a silent lady who held clipboard, a healthcare assistant, a lady from pharmacy, a food lady and a guy who was going to empty the bin, but didn't cause it was not full enough. He mopped the floor and cleaned so well! (I am cleaner so I admired how he even did the silver bottom of he doors). Later he noticed when I had moved to bed 22 and said hello.
In bed 22 I saw lily in the bed next to me the lady opposite me who liked ham sandwiches and another who groaned a lot.
Next came a tall nurse with a small ponytail. I heard how he helped the other patients when their curtains were drawn around their beds he as dry kind.
Visitors invaded our ward but we're not allowed to take over control even though they were very loud. Shift changed and a new nurses came, he also looked after the old ladies with compassion kindness and calm. Then came another doctor, a surgical team, another pharmacist, pain relief arrived without me having to ask. The curtain got shut when plucked up the courage to ask. (I needed to have a break from all the sensory overload). All the other things I was worried about not being able to ask for because I often can't speak when stressed kept appearing, food, tea, water, the heating would come on before you could get cold.
Now mulling over my experience I have nothing but gratitude for all!!!!! Thank you so much!! I thought I was coming to hospital alone.You were all there, ready to step in so that I was anything but alone!!! Your compassion kindness and communication were so good. I always knew what was happening and what I should do. MASSIVE MASSIVE THANK YOU!!!!
Joanna Hawkes
