"District nursing care and compassion"

Dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer after rapid weight loss over a few months. We were given a diagnosis of 12 months initially but as we started the rounds of chemotherapy, it became obvious through the scans that it was having no impact on the rapid spread of cancer, so we moved to palliative care. Dad expressed his wishes to stay at home for care until the end. With the wonderful support of Beragh District Nurses, we were able to fulfil Dad’s wishes, remaining as comfortable and pain free as possible until he passed away surrounded by his family.

Beragh district nurses visited Dad initially and assessed our house and facilities, they ordered equipment including beds, mattresses, cushions to make Dad’s end of life stay at home comfortable. They visited and did check ups, listened intently to what he said, reassured us of next steps and Dad and us had full faith in their abilities. 

It truly was hospital care in our home. 

DN Adelaide, in particular, spent the most time with us overall and had to have some difficult conversations with us, intuitively knowing what to ask and when. She organised other health care support personnel at exactly the right time. She knew what medication to order, administering them with ease and compassion. All additional support was there, with the utmost respect and kindness. 

She rang and visited us nearing the end, in the morning first thing, in the afternoon and the evening for updates on Dads condition and unfortunate decline. They were sure to spend hours treating and managing any complication or symptom which arose and looked after Dad’s every need predominantly but also our whole family. This ensured that Dad got the comfort and respect he deserved to the end. 

I have never had the pleasure of dealing with as many knowledgeable, kind hearted, amazing ladies as I did when they were looking after Dad. Nothing was ever a problem. We received extraordinary care over a few short months, and especially in Dad’s last week. 

We are so thankful for their support and abilities, both professionally and as kind natured people, to ensure Dad was comfortable and we were fully informed. 

Every one of them including Adelaide, Emma, Briege and Trish were like little rays of sunshine in a very dark and difficult time. 

They comforted us as we cried, they laughed with us at other times, they were compassionate and empathetic. We knew most days they were under pressure but we were always given the absolute best of care. We could never thank them enough for all their support and dedication to our lovely Dad, and Husband of 45 years. 

Thank you so much Ladies for your unending care and support.

We appreciate everything you did for us in our most difficult time, and hold each of you in our hearts for evermore.