"They gave him the love he needed when he was most vulnerable."

My husband Tony in ward 4b of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.  This was his second stay on this ward. Tony was undergoing Car T cell Therapy. He was terminal but we were offered a life line, Covid made things more difficult.  I was unable to visit and be with him during the majority of his treatment but I knew that he was being cared for by an excellent team.  

The ward are a team, they all pull together from  cleaner to senior Consultant.  They are one.  

Tony was scared about the treatment due to the side effects and his prognosis. The staff who dealt with his care prior to admission answered all our questions and if they were unsure they called back with an answer as soon as they knew. They made him feel confident in undergoing treatment without me beside him.  The Doctors ensured that I was included in all meetings prior to admission by calling me on loudspeaker.  This helped greatly as Tony would never have been able to recall all of the information.

On admission I had to leave him at the ward door, this was heartbreaking and unfortunately there is nothing that could be done to make this any easier.  Tony told me that the ward staff were looking after him well and easing his fears.

Treatment started after his covid test was returned as clear and the Doctors and nurses ensured that I was called and placed on loudspeaker every visit to Tony during rounds.   

I think that this was invaluable as during 'normal' times I would not be involved in the ward round conversation.  I hope that it stays and is adopted into other wards and clinics. It gave me a chance to ask my concerns and listen to the progress and next steps.  The information given was always relevant and honest.  We were told every time of the possibility of side effects and we appreciated the honesty. 

Lisa the ward sister also reassured me that I could contact the ward anytime day or night if I was concerned or worried in any way.  I did call the ward and Tonys named nurse always took the time to update me, this was again invaluable as I could see and hear that Tony was not his usual self during video and telephone calls.

He was transferred to icu as his conditioned worsened and we are also grateful to the staff there.  Tony was glad to be returned to 4b as he felt he was back with family.

The Occupational Therapists, Dieticians, nurse specialists and physiotherapists all helped Tony with the same compassion as the ward staff. Apologies if I missed anyone.

Tony was on the ward for over 7 weeks, I was only able to visit for the last few weeks since restrictions had been lifted.  The ward staff were excellent with their protocol, never once did I see them stray from protocol and procedures: whether it was checking visitors onto the ward or entering Tonys room with the required PPE to administer meds, take jobs or to empty bins.  They always protected their patients.

At the end of a long shift they always said goodbye and let him know when they would be back. They gave him the love he needed when he was most vulnerable. We had hoped to be leaving on the Wednesday with the prospect of remission but Tony took an infection.

When Tonys scan showed that the treatment had failed I was called to the ward, he was very poorly and I was shown great compassion when being told the devastating news.  We all then told Tony together, I will be forever grateful again for the support, honesty and compassion shown at that time.  The staff then went into overdrive to help with arrangements that would allow Tony to come home as he had asked.  Everything was arranged when he took another dip and I was advised that we may need to bring him home earlier, when I arrived at the ward we agreed that he should be cared for by those he knew and they ensured that I would have the quality time that we needed.   

I was now part of Tonys room and would not be leaving until Tony left us.  The staff again went into overdrive with Lisa transforming the room as best she could within Infection Control guidelines.  I was treated with so much love and kindness by all that I will be forever grateful to them.  I carried out lateral flow tests daily prior to arriving at the ward I had a PCR test for Covid.  The next morning this came back positive and I was devastated at the thought of leaving him.  The staff argued for me to remain as he did not have long left. This is another example of much love and care they invest in their patients and their families.

Tony knew all of the staff by name and to the end was very grateful for the care and support that they gave him.  During the 3 yrs of his cancer journey he has spent many nights in hospital.  We are grateful to all of the hospitals, wards, and the staff who cared for him during the 3 yrs, but on this occasion when he was scared about surviving this new treatment everyone held him in their care and allowed him to be safe.  One of the last things that he said was that he wanted to stay on the ward as he felt safe.  Only the staff can make a patient feel that way and the only way that it can be done is through love. 

I will be forever grateful to all of the staff on 4b, all 60 of them. You all played a part in Tonys last journey and I will be forever grateful to every one of you for being there when I couldn't.    Thank you to everyone who gave us Hope.