"Staff were nothing short of amazing and were always there"

In Early August my dad sadly passed away in ward 2F at Crosshouse hospital. My dad has been a renal patient for over 13 years and attended the Renal Ward (2F) on many occasions, the staff have always been caring and compassionate over the years when dealing with my dad’s health concerns. When I heard that he had been transferred to ward 2F from ACCU on the beginning of August we were overwhelmed with sadness at the possibility of losing my dad but in turn grateful that he would spend the last moments in his life under the care of staff who knew and cared for him.

When having a meeting with Doctor Helps to discuss end of life treatment for my dad, she offered reassurance and support, this was fundamental in coming to terms that my dad would not be getting better. Dr helps also reviewed my dad at the end of July when he was declared medically fit for discharge from ACCU and decided that having him a few more days to keep an eye on him instead was a better idea, I truly believe if it wasn’t for her kindness shown to us (the family) and my dad that he would have underwent far more suffering being at home and possibly readmitted back in the hospital due to illness in the coming days.

During ward round on Saturday, Dr Imtiaz came to visited my dad and had a conversation with him regarding his wishes, he instructed my dad that he could eat and drink anything he wished and he would personally go and get him whatever he wanted, this personal touch from the doctor who was responsible for my dad’s care of the last 13 years meant far more to me than it did to my dad, it showed me how much he was cared for by all members of staff.

I will be forever in debt to ALL the staff of 2F for everything they did for us as a family over the hardest period in our lives. Carrie (staff nurse) has looked after my dad many times throughout the years and the support she offered us all was nothing short of amazing, she truly is a credit to the NHS, Carrie saw I was struggling and offered to sit with my dad to allow me to clear my head and get fresh air, small actions like this maybe second nature to nurses but for me as his son meant far more than words can ever explain.

Deputy charge nurse Julie was always there for support and had my dad smiling on multiple occasion, we had various family members commenting on how great the care was in 2F and Julie was always on hand to speak to all family members who needed reassurance.

Carol was on shift when we initially heard the devastating news about my dad, she was caring and respectful and always ensured that we as a family had everything we needed, she had conversations with my dad and emphasised that he had to let her know if he needed anything, especially if he was in pain.

Carol was working alongside a student nurse I think her name was Lindsay, she again was brilliant with us all and will make a brilliant nurse when she qualifies. Nursing assistant Caroline was a brilliant support over our time in 2F, nothing was ever a problem and always ensured we were well looked after as well as my dad, having been a Nursing Assistant myself at one point I know how hard it can be for all staff to get time to spend with patients but Caroline always made the time to come in and make sure we were all ok and didn’t need anything.

We had other nurses Caitlyn and molly who again were nothing short of amazing and were always there if we needed support or reassurance for my dad.

Although I haven’t mentioned every member of staff involved in my dad’s care in 2F this isn’t a reflection on the care provided, I can honestly say whole heartedly that my dad received brilliant care from all staff in the ward and each and every member of staff are a credit to NHS Ayrshire And Arran.

Having bumped in to Lead Nurse for Medical Hazel (who was duty manager on Saturday) really helped, as always hazel has been a massive support throughout the years and having her on duty and offering support and reassurance was fundamental in coping with the sad news about my dad.

I have really struggled to put into words how happy we are with the care provided by all members of the team. I just want all the staff to know that my dad’s final days here were made so much easier and happier with all the kindness and compassion shown at this sad time.

We are forever grateful.