A Banbridge woman has taken to social media asking for support in helping to heal our “broken” health system after a hospital stay opened her eyes to internal problems.
Angela Caldwell – who was admitted to Craigavon Area Hospital last week – has been through the mill since attending the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department but she soon noticed that she wasn’t alone.
Speaking to Armagh I from hospital, Angela said: “I had brain surgery and three aneurisms a couple of years ago and was admitted three weeks ago with headaches, severe nerve pain and high blood pressure.
“I spent five days on a chair in A&E but have to say the treatment, scans, doctors and nurses have been fantastic.
“The system is broken the wards are full of patients medically fit to be discharged but no care packages are available hence causing chaos in A&E.”
Once admitted, Angela became aware of the many elderly inpatients on wards who had limited access to clean nightwear and toiletries.
“It’s heart breaking,” continued Angela.
“Not all patients have visitors, or if they do, they are not in a position to provide such basic needs.
“My mum was a nurse for 50 years, having recently retired as matron of Crozier House in Banbridge, and she says it’s not only a problem in the hospitals but it happens in the homes too.
“The only difference is in the homes is that they have access to wash, whereas in the hospitals, no facilities are available.
“I donated ten nighties worn and in good condition to the ward and within a hour they were being used and it meant that the patient was able to be washed and changed and left comfortable.
“So little means so much to these patients – just to see a wee smile.”
Unable to sit idly by and watch her fellow patients struggle on, Angela took to Banbridge Saints and Sinners Facebook group to ask for support in the way of donations of shoeboxes with essentials – of which she said she could arrange collection.
Of her community’s response Angela commented: “The response and messages already have been outstanding.”
If anyone wishes to make a contribution you can contact by telephone Angela directly here. Angela’s obliging daughter will then arrange to collect items and distribute to the wards most in need. If demand continues to increase Angela may also arrange convenient drop of points at a later stage.
Suggested items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, comb, brush, soap/shower gel, deodorant, pens, notebooks, magazines, bed socks, nightwear (men’s and women’s) which should be new or preloved in good clean condition.
Contact Angela to arrange collection of a donation
