Sadly, my 99 year old nanny died early April in King George V Ward following a 2 week end of life period. She was firstly in a bay as it was thought that she had a treatable infection, & then in a cubicle once we all realised what was happening. As an ex paediatric hospice nurse, I was really hoping that nanny would be moved to the hospice, as per her wishes for her end of life journey. However, for various reasons this did not happen. I can honestly say that the care my nanny, my mum, myself & other family members received by everyone involved in my nanny's care was absolutely exceptional.
Her pain was quickly controlled (this was one of my biggest worries) with a syringe driver & break through medication. She was kept comfortable, warm, turned regularly, washed & teeth cleaned. - she was always very proud of her appearance & having her own teeth at her age :-).
The catering ladies got to know what she liked to eat & drink - basically anything sweet, & made sure these foods were provided. She consequently ate ice cream right up until her last day!
As a family we were all so well looked after & this made the end of life journey so much easier. There were so many people involved in my nanny's care & I'd like to thank every single one, but the 2 I remember are Erin & Poppy. You are both exceptional care givers, please keep it up. Erin, your hug on the day nanny died was so needed & just felt so genuine. To everyone on King George V Ward, you are amazing. Thank you for making this hard time just a little bit brighter.
"Thank you for making this hard time just a little bit brighter"
About: North Devon District Hospital / End of life care North Devon District Hospital End of life care Barnstaple EX31 4JB
Posted by VM1977 (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference
››
Responses
See more responses from Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust