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Everyone has a superhero, we called him Papa.

Posted By GratefulGrandson13

"Everyone has a superhero, we called him Papa."

About: Scottish Ambulance Service / Emergency Ambulance University Hospital Ayr / Accident & Emergency University Hospital Hairmyres / Emergency Department University Hospital Hairmyres / Vascular Surgery (Ward 8)

(as a relative),

My papa was admitted to Ayr ED by 999 ambulance following severe abdominal pain with a known AAA. The paramedics knew my papa personally and were phenomenal and gave my papa strong pain relief (Mark and Grant - Maybole crew).

Once into ED, my Papa was seen by ANP Amy, who should immense kindness and compassion, she was thorough and well knowledge and with his history and symptoms she requested a CT scan. When the results of the scan came back unfortunately my papa's aneurysm was leaking in 3 places and had grown dramatically. Amy referred him to the vascular team at Hairmyres and he was transferred over there. 

Unfortunately the decision was made on arrival that my papa's aneurysm was too big and he was too weak and there was nothing we could do but make him comfortable. The staff at Hairmyres ED were so kind and got my papa on a bed and a side room while he waited for a side room in the vascular ward. 

My papa went to ward 8 in Hairmyres and I would like to say a special thanks to staff nurses Lisa, Pamela and Megan, who not only nursed my papa but my family also. My papa was a great man, he was a good man with the biggest heart and he was so so loved by us all, and in his weakest they gave strength in the sadness they gave us peace and they made what was a tragic and awful experience- beautiful. My papa was given the painkillers and sedation he needed to depart this earth with grace and dignity and you cannot buy that. 

My papa passed away surrounded by his family, comforted by the amazing staff of ward 8. 

I will never be able to find the words to express how grateful I am to have an NHS that even in strange, dark and challenging times there a good people fighting the good fight. 

None of this would have been possible without the intelligent, kind and friendly eyes of Amy one of Ayr's ANP’s. 

I’m sure there are many others, nursing, domestic, dr, admin staff that I have left out. But just know our family are eternally grateful to you all. 

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Responses

Response from Siobhan Rawdon, Lead Nurse - Emergency Care and Trauma Orthopaedics, Acute Services, NHS Ayrshire & Arran 2 weeks ago
Siobhan Rawdon
Lead Nurse - Emergency Care and Trauma Orthopaedics, Acute Services,
NHS Ayrshire & Arran

Submitted on 07/10/2025 at 10:44
Published on Care Opinion at 10:44

Dear GratefulGrandson13,

Sincere condolences for the loss of your papa, I can sympathise with how you are feeling because mine was also a superhero. Myself and all the Ayr Emergency Department team appreciate you sharing your appreciation and gratitude as this most difficult of times for your family, I will ensure that your post is shared with them and in particular with Amy.

I hope you and your family can take comfort from knowing that your papa was pain free and surrounded by his loved ones during his passing.

Deepest sympathies,

Siobhan Rawdon

Lead Nurse NHS Ayrshire and Arran

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Response from Kay Fahey, Senior Nurse Surgical and Critical Care, surgical and critical care, NHS 2 weeks ago
Kay Fahey
Senior Nurse Surgical and Critical Care, surgical and critical care,
NHS

Submitted on 07/10/2025 at 11:42
Published on Care Opinion at 11:42

Dear Grateful Grandson,

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughtful feedback. Your Papa sounded like a truly special person, surrounded by a loving and caring family.

I’m heartened to hear that our team at Hairmyres provided compassionate care during such a difficult time. Delivering kindness and dignity is something we always strive for, and I will make sure your kind words are passed on to the team. Lisa, Pamela, and Megan will be especially touched to know the positive impact they had—not only on your Papa, but on your whole family.

As nurses, it is a profound privilege to be present during someone’s final moments. I am proud that our team was able to make this time a little easier for your wonderful Papa and for those who loved him.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of such a special person. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Warm regards

Kay

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Response from Marie Kennedy, Patient Experience Manager, Corporate Affairs, Scottish Ambulance Service 2 weeks ago
Marie Kennedy
Patient Experience Manager, Corporate Affairs,
Scottish Ambulance Service

Submitted on 09/10/2025 at 20:40
Published on Care Opinion at 20:40

picture of Marie Kennedy

Dear GratefulGrandson13,

Thank you for sharing your Papa’s story. It’s clear how deeply loved he was and how much the kindness and care from everyone from Mark and Grant in the ambulance, to Amy in Ayr ED and the team at Hairmyres meant to your family in such a difficult time.

We’re so sorry for your loss, but grateful to know that your Papa was surrounded by compassion, dignity and peace.

I'm sure Mark and Grant will really appreciate you sending these kind comments in. If you’d like us to get this message to them directly, we’d need a few more details such as the name, date, time and address of the call out sent to sas.feedback@nhs.scot so we can match it with the information in our system. Please also include your Care Opinion username so we can share your story with the crew.

Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

With warmest wishes,
Marie

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