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"Hope in the darkness✝️"

About: South West Acute Hospital / Medical + surgical assessment unit (ward 1) Western Health & Social Care Trust / Dementia companion service

(as a relative),

To the Team at South West Hospital, Ward 1,

I am the daughter of a patient who was admitted to Ward 1, and I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the outstanding care we received.

From the doctors and nurses to the healthcare assistants, every single member of your team went above and beyond to make sure my mammy was comfortable. 

You managed her pain with such compassion and ensured that we, as her family, had everything we needed during her stay. You truly put our minds at ease throughout what was a very difficult time.

In her later stages, we received support from the palliative care team—and may I say, they are guardian angels on earth. 

They brought calm, clarity, and compassion, involving us in every step of the way. As they say, “making sure that your last days on earth are just as important as your first,” and that was exactly how it felt.

A special mention to Brendan from the Dementia Companions team, who arranged for the hospital chaplain to visit Mum. He provided a battery-operated holy candle and played beautiful hymns—just as Mammy would have wished for her final hours.

To Deirdre, Laura, Michelle, and the many other nurses who stood by us—you made our toughest day as a family that little bit easier.

You are all truly worth your weight in gold.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts—our words will never be enough.

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Donna McDonald, Ward Sister, Acute, WHSCT 2 weeks ago
Donna McDonald
Ward Sister, Acute,
WHSCT
Submitted on 18/11/2025 at 11:19
Published on Care Opinion at 15:29


Dear Fermanagh 123

Thank you for taking the time to express your gratitude to the team who looked after your mum through the final stages of her life.

Within the ward we pride ourselves on ensuring delivery of holistic care needs of patients and families and ensure spiritual care is prioritised, particularly with the final stages of life. We recognise that having this final journey is particularly difficult in hospital and we aim to ensure patients and families have a positive experience at this difficult time.

I will pass on your kind words and gratitude to the team.

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Response from Nicola Hayes, Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP, WHSCT 2 weeks ago
We are preparing to make a change
Nicola Hayes
Dementia Service Improvement Lead - Acute & Non Acute, PCOP,
WHSCT
Submitted on 19/11/2025 at 22:21
Published on Care Opinion on 20/11/2025 at 07:11


picture of Nicola Hayes

Dear Fermanagh123

My name is Nicola Hayes, and I am the Dementia Service Improvement Lead for Acute Hospitals and I also manage the Dementia Companion Service.

Firstly, can I offer my condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Mammy. This is currently a very difficult time for you all and I really appreciate you taking the time to tell your story on Care Opinion.

Thank you for sharing the positive experience that your mother and your family had of the journey through Ward 1 SWAH.

Person centred care is paramount within dementia care, and this has been evidenced through your experience of various professionals within the SWAH. Approach and communication are vital in the caring profession, not only to ensure that all your mother’s needs were met, but also that your needs as a family were met.

I am delighted that you had the experience of the Dementia Companion Service and the role they can play to people living with dementia who are admitted to hospital. I will share this post with the Dementia Companions, which they will be delighted to receive.

From your experience, we are going to plan a change within the Dementia Companion Service, to ensure that all Dementia Companions have access to spiritual boxes to ensure that all comfort measures are met during end of life care.

Your feedback is very welcome to ensure safe, effective, compassionate and well led care is delivered.

Thank you again for sharing your experiences with us on Care Opinion.

Kind regards

Nicola

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