Elena's Story

Baby Elena

Elena was born on the 15th of September 5lbs 14oz and perfectly healthy. After two admissions to hospital with bronchiolitis, we thought she was on the mend however she contracted RSV. Elena was only feeding for a few seconds and becoming very breathless, so we knew she needed medical attention.

She was admitted to Crosshouse Children's ward where she was fitted with a nasal gastric tube and oxygen. She seemed to be doing well however on her second day there, she had deteriorated so significantly there was a plan made for her to be transferred to Glasgow Children's Hospital as it was likely she would have to be intubated. We were in total shock and felt very helpless at this stage. Thanks to the incredible Scots Star ambulance crew, she was transferred to Glasgow safely where she was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit

Coming to the House

We arrived around 10pm and the staff advised us that there is charity-run accommodation however it was full so we would be put up in a hotel for the night. We were so impressed that these facilities were available to families in their time of need. The next day we checked into the House. The House was beautifully decorated for Halloween and the staff were extremely welcoming.  Elena had to be intubated and was on the ventilator for 6 days. During this time, the staff were incredible at keeping us informed and included in Elena’s care. They also encouraged us to rest and provided me with a breast pump to take to the House.

The house staff also put a fridge in our room to store my breast milk which I thought was a very thoughtful touch. Being so near to the hospital was very handy as I could express and provide the staff with my milk to freeze for when Elena was well enough to feed through her nasal gastric tube. It was also very comforting to know she was in the safest hands, and we could be there in as little as 5 minutes if we wanted to see her.

Isabella

During Elena’s time in intensive care, we had our three-year-old Daughter Isabella stay with us for a few nights and the staff made her feel so welcome. She loved the play area and was very pleased to receive a colouring book from one of the lovely staff members. I missed out on Halloween at home with her, so it was nice to bring her to a place that was all decorated. Elena was then transferred to the children’s ward where my Husband and I would be with her in shifts. It was so helpful to have the House to walk to for rest as opposed to driving extremely tired back to Kilmarnock. It is also a place that is staffed 24/7 so I felt safe returning there on my own during the night. All staff were welcoming and accommodating no matter what time of day.