"We are thankful that you continue to do this job"

My mum-in-law is in her 80s and was in Ward 8C of Gartnaval Hospital for over 17 weeks. We cannot praise the staff enough, from the consultants to the dinner servers. The ward is extremely busy and understaffed so it does mean that sometimes buzzers are not answered as quickly as one would like, but that was because staff were busy with other patients, feeding, personal care or other, more demanding emergencies.

My husband, daughters and myself were at the hospital twice daily for the 17 weeks and got to know many of the staff. We never saw anyone slacking off. They cope so well in a very difficult environment, always have a smile and show such a caring attitude towards patients, spending some moments with them and Hazel even did manicures and haircuts. Christmas was made bearable by the fantastic efforts they made and by how welcome they made our family. 

Our mum had several infections and Covid, plus a diagnosis of Parkinson's. Thankfully she was under the care of an expert in the disease, Dr Duncan, who is wonderful. We thought we would lose her several times but she survived because of the incredible care she received. There were a few problems, like admin dept transferring her into a covid ward because they needed her bed - but that quickly resolved and she was returned to Ward 8c with a massive welcome.

I understand the shortage of beds but treating people like numbers on a spreadsheet is not unacceptable. Please seek the advice from staff before allocating beds that put an elderly patient at risk! They know their patients and understand the shortages and how to allocate without causing unnecessary distress.  A big thanks to Alma, Monica, Hazel, Jackie, Sam, Chia, Victoria, Cheryl, Carol-Ann, Natalie, Lynn, Michelle, Mark, Karen, Kaffati, Chani, Tara, Hannah, Liz, Nicole, Murrin, Cathy, Patricia and the lovely dinner servers.

 If I have forgotten anyone, please forgive me. Our family owe a debt of gratitude to you all. We all know the NHS is at breaking point so we are thankful that you continue to do this job. We were able to spend Christmas, New Year and her birthday with mum, which was not something we thought we would be able to do. Thank you so much.