Compassion and clinical excellence.
My son G who has autism and severe learning disabilities started losing his sight as cataracts were left untreated for some time over two years ago as no one checked his eyes. Then when retinal detachment happened it became obvious to all that he could not see. We thought there was no hope as some people thought G could not cope with the complex surgery and aftercare. We needed hospital staff to not give up on him. The surgeons did not give up, and said that he was too young with his whole life ahead of him and felt they had to try and at least give him a chance. He had had very good sight all of his life, and loved reading and sightseeing, and just being able to see. Then, against all the odds, the surgical team led by Mr Arijit Mitra restored his sight in one eye as the other was permanently blind - and we had two years of care that I can't put into words. G was functioning quite well and learning new skills all by himself, as he still had some central vision and peripheral vision. G surprised people as he had a rapport with Mr Mitra that was brilliant, and I think that he sensed that he was respected and being helped. I know that G cannot thank the hospital himself and if he could I know what he would say, so I speak for him as his mother. After a fourth operation however, he has now almost totally lost all sight, which is still being monitored. Whatever happens now, G and ourselves are grateful to this superb hospital that we have been so lucky to have surgeons who talk to us whenever we need help. Nothing is too much trouble for them. Individuals with autism need good practice 'reasonable adjustments' so they can be treated with special consideration for their very high anxiety and in any other way, and we were accommodated more than I ever thought possible. Mr Mitra, his fellow surgeons and anaesthetists, the co-ordinator and the nurses on the ground floor and in the ophthalmology ward have been amazing. I think BMEC are a good practice model for those with special needs and should be listed in a group of specialist hospitals that are outstanding in the UK.