"Wonderful care before and at end of life"

In April 2017 my father became seriously ill, after suffering a decline in health in the preceding few years. This ended up with me having to contact 999 for emergency ambulance response. They arrived promptly and transferred my father to Wishaw General Hospital A and E Department.

He was triaged immediately  and medical attention was rapid. The nursing staff looked after me as well as my father- ensuring that I was ok.

My father was then admitted to ward 8 for on-going investigation and intervention.

During this time, whilst there was still a possibility of discharge, Social Care Services were involved and had very rapidly put plans in place for post discharge care. This was greatly appreciated by myself and my father.

During his stay he needed some assistance with personal care and requested that I do it - the nursing staff facilitated this at every opportunity: even having to call me at work, as he was becoming increasingly distressed and that my presence may help to settle him.

However, it became apparent that discharge would not be achieved and that we were going to have to prepare for end of life care. Although I had lasting power of attorney, my father had full cognisance and as such my father was included in these discussions and encouraged to state his needs. Each and every person involved with my father's care could not have been more supportive or caring. I can honestly say that this made a very difficult time more bearable. The only way I can describe this was  - he was cared for in a loving way. A very small but significant example: One nurse asked to bring a specific drink in for him as he really enjoyed it - this showed attention to detail and person centred care at the very core.

When we were called to the ward during the night, we were greeted by the nurse who contacted us and she was clearly upset -again this illustrated how much I felt he was cared for. My husband and I remained with father until his death. All the nursing staff were incredibly comforting even when upset themselves. This remained the case when I had occasion to attend the ward to collect the death certificate

A very special thank you goes to Wendy in Ward 8 - I don't think she will ever know how much she was appreciated during this time.

Although this happened over a year ago it is only now I feel I can bring my self to tell this story and as a nurse myself, I am very much aware of the negativities that surround Public Sector Organisations.

I do however, think it is important to recognise when things go well, even if it has an sad outcome.