August 2024
Matthew
Hill
,
RN
Emergency Room
Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto
,
Ontario
Canada
He asked about sensory distractions and immediately located a bubble tube for our room himself and found a tv channel that my son would like. He was calm, friendly, and kind.
Our 17-year-old son has intellectual and physical disabilities, along with sensory processing disorder. Medical sites and interventions are very stressful for him. From the first moment that Matthew introduced himself, he jumped into action. He moved the bed from the room so that my son would have room to stay in his wheelchair (after asking us if this would be best for B). He asked about sensory distractions and immediately located a bubble tube for our room himself and found a tv channel that my son would like. He was calm, friendly, and kind. He spoke to B respectfully and asked what we needed. When we had to go for an X-ray, he called ahead so that we would not have to wait in the hallway and increase B's anxiety (which could lead to an event of dysautonomia). He also helped us during the X-ray so that we would be able to get it down quickly and efficiently. It was apparent that his team members had deep respect for him and everyone was always happy to see him (and was equally friendly). We have 18 years of frequent experience in the health system, and I was near tears of gratitude at the care he provided. I truly feel he needs to be recognized.