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"They were so amazing to mum & my family."

About: South West Acute Hospital / Ward 7

(as a relative),

My mum had dementia.  She took ill with  low sodium & low mobility she was staying with my cousins in Co Tyrone (she lived in Co Antrim) but from Tyrone.  She was at my cousins as no respite available when needed. 

She ended up on Ward 7 and I have nothing but praise for this ward,  very much a caring dementia friendly environment. My mum appeared to love it she even had some one to one time with a therapist. 

Sadly this all happened as my dad took ill and had to get a colostomy bag (Antrim Area Hosp) which meant mum had to sadly go into care.  It was time sensitive to get mum a place and everyone including Drs, nurses physios & OT did everything to accommodate this.

Sadly mum suddenly passed away in July in the care home.  It was all too much for her I fear but the care she had at SWAH Ward 7 will stay with me forever. 

Thanks to Dr Khan, Corinne, Marie & Maggie the physios and OTs and everyone on this ward that were so amazing to mum & my family.  

Thanks 

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Responses

Response from Ann Taylor, Ward Sister, Ward 7 SWAH Care of Older Person, WHSCT nearly 2 years ago
Ann Taylor
Ward Sister, Ward 7 SWAH Care of Older Person,
WHSCT
Submitted on 10/08/2023 at 11:07
Published on Care Opinion at 16:07


Thank you so much for taking the time to give us feed back. Especially after such a difficult time and the passing of your mum, our deepest sympathies. It is so nice to hear that your mum and all the family had a good experience in Ward 7, especially when your dad was so unwell and in a hospital so far away. It is lovely to hear Ward 7 described as a caring dementia friendly environment. This feedback means so much to us and I will pass on your gratitude to all of Ward 7 staff, including those named.

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Update posted by Antrimgirl (a relative)

Thanks so much and apologies if I have forgotten any names.

Response from Nicola Hayes, Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP, WHSCT nearly 2 years ago
Nicola Hayes
Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP,
WHSCT
Submitted on 10/08/2023 at 20:21
Published on Care Opinion at 20:21


picture of Nicola Hayes

Dear Antrimgirl

My name is Nicola Hayes, and I am Acting Head of Service for Older People's Mental Health. My substantive post is Dementia Service Improvement Lead for Acute Hospitals.

Firstly, can I offer my condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Mum. This is currently a very difficult time for you all and I really appreciate you taking the time to tell your story on Care Opinion.

Thank you for sharing the positive experience that your mother and your family had of the journey through Ward 7 SWAH.

Person centred care is paramount within dementia care, and this has been evidenced through your experience. Approach and communication are vital in the caring profession, not only to ensure that all your mother’s needs were met, but also that your needs as a family were met.

I am delighted that you had the experience of the Dementia Companion and the role they can play to people living with dementia who are admitted to hospital. I will share this post with the Dementia Companion, which they will be delighted to receive.

Your feedback is very welcome to ensure safe, effective, compassionate and well led care is delivered.

I hope your father's health improves

Kind regards

Nicola Hayes

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Update posted by Antrimgirl (a relative)

Thank you Nicola.

I believe it is important to tell the positive stories too many negative stories hit the headlines. The news won’t run my story but to me its important those special carers know the positive impact they have made in peoples lives.

Response from Nicola Hayes, Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP, WHSCT nearly 2 years ago
Nicola Hayes
Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP,
WHSCT
Submitted on 17/09/2023 at 14:41
Published on Care Opinion at 14:41


picture of Nicola Hayes

Dear Antrimgirl

I have shared the story you posted entitled "They were so amazing to Mum & my family" with all the Dementia Companions.

Clare would like to comment the following:

"Thank you so much for the lovely comment. It was a pleasure looking after your Mum, she was a lovely lady. I wish to offer my condolences to you and your family at this sad time".

May I just add that all the Dementia Companions took such a positive from your story and this has reinforced with them the impact that this service can have.

Again, may I thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with us on care opinion.

Best Wishes

Nicola

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