Image Copyright: Cassandra Weir
Just wanted to share my experience of the Irish public health system. Have read some negative comments and would like to shed light on my experience, primarily as a parent and also as a registered medical practitioner working in Ireland.
My 13 year old daughter was not feeling too well and after assessment at our practice and discussion with fellow colleagues, we decided it was best to have her assessed by a paediatric team in the A&E (Casualty).
This was done at a public hospital.
From the point of entry at the triage to reception, we experienced nothing but kindness, compassion and empathy.
The paediatric SHO in the A&E was probably one of the most thorough, cautious and clinically sound SHO’s I have encountered in my experience.
The attention to detail from all clinical staff in the A&E was superb and superior to what I have experienced in most South African private institutions.
Her admission to the ward was problem free and they ensured that all her needs were catered for.
Her mom was allowed to stay with her for the night. Her room was immaculate; clean as a whistle with the best tech in a general ward that I have ever seen.
She was assessed by the paediatric consultant the following morning; I missed him when he came on his rounds, but being the caring and compassionate man that he is, he left his clinic and popped up to have a chat with me and provide his excellent opinion on the best way forward.
The nursing care was nothing short of excellent.
And no…none of those involved in the care of my daughter were aware that I was a doctor in the local community until after she was discharged; so no special treatment for a colleagues child.
The wait times in A&E can be long, but I understand the dynamics and the pressure the healthcare staff are working under. They correctly attend to the sickest patients first which is time and labour intensive.
What impressed me most is despite the fatigue and obvious strain, they still provided 1st class level of care for a relatively benign condition which my daughter was suffering from.
There was no dismissal as a paranoid parent as I have experienced many a time in SA; instead we were reassured and my daughter admitted overnight for observation.
I am sure that others have had negative experiences but I believe that ours is not unique. My observation of what was going on around us was that everyone, irrespective of your ethnicity, nationality or perceived social standing was treated equally with the utmost respect, kindness and compassion.
I remain firm in my belief- what you put out is what you will get back- most of the time.
Welcome to the beautiful Emerald Isle
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