"The care and compassion shown to my mother"

Over the last year my mother, unfortunately, ended up in hospital time and again becoming somewhat of a frequent visitor to the ED and many wards at University Hospital Hairmyres. I was impressed with the care and compassion shown by staff to my mum by everyone from the domestic, portering and catering staff up to the nursing and medical staff. The staff and control room at the Scottish Ambulance Service were also fantastic in helping with my mums unique situation.

My mother worked in the NHS herself (at a hospital in Glasgow) for over 20 years (something she would frequently remind people of as she was proud of her role in the NHS) and she would often tell me that the interactions with staff at Hairmyres would remind her of the pleasant times at work, which cheered her up even in dire circumstances. My mum also would talk fondly of her chats with the hospital chaplain and the domestic supervisor.

Over the last few months, my mum was becoming increasingly agitated, often shouting for help as she believed she couldn't breath. Unfailingly each and every time, staff would respond with compassion to my mother and help my mum relax.

My mother passed away peacefully in Ward 2 just before the New Year, having previously spent a great deal of time in Ward 1 and Ward 12 too. In fact, probably most wards in the hospital. Regardless of where my mother was treated, the care was always fantastic.

I'm writing this not only to thank staff, many of which will undoubtedly remember my mother for one reason or another, but to remind them that they work they do makes a huge difference. The time my mother spent in hospital was, for the most part, time that allowed her to feel more like herself and the efforts of staff to treat her with care and compassion in challenging circumstances cannot be understated. No matter their role in the hospital, everyone acted as a professional team.

From our family, thank you all.