"End of life care in Gilbert Bain Hospital"

Thank you to all the clinicians, nurses and other staff on Ward 1 who cared for my Uncle for an extended period prior to his passing.

The majority of his family live on the mainland and it was comforting to know that he was being given the best possible care towards the end of his life.

My mum was able to travel to Shetland and visit him on a few occasions, including on the day he passed away. On the final day, she found him being treated with dignity and respect, having been moved to a bright airy side room off the main ward, with a clean, comfortable bed and sun shining in the window. We thank you for making his passing as peaceful as possible.

The only difficulty my mum, as next of kin, sometimes encountered over the past couple of months was receiving clear and regular updates on his condition, which impacted her and the wider family's ability to make travel plans. While the nursing staff on the ward were as helpful as they could be when she called, I feel it would be useful for a next of kin (particularly those who do not live in Shetland) to be provided with a single point of contact who is able, with the patients consent, to share clinical information, expected next steps for their care etc.

Many thanks again for making a difficult time for my family that little bit easier.