"Good use of the newspaper"

Dear NHS Borders, For the last two years I have been the principal carer of my 95 –year-old father at home. Since the end of February he has been a patient in the Borders Gen Hospital, and then on his release from there he entered the Kelso community hospital in Inch Road.

I cannot speak highly enough of the incredibly dedicated staff that work at both of these two hospitals. I know that my father was much loved by the nurses and auxiliary staff in Kelso Hospital and when he died there were many condolences for myself and my other family members. I wrote a letter to the editor of the Scotsman this morning and I would like to share that with you. You have asked those who respond to Care Opinion, What’s your story? so here is the text of my letter.

Good use of the newspaper

It’s well known that many terminally ill patients who are unconscious are aware of the family around their bedside. We tell them how much we care for them and we hold their hands and read to them.

My dad has always been a big fan of Sir Andy Murray. During Friday evening I read the article about Andy on page 55 in “The Scotsman” to my dying father. On finishing, I gave my dad a cuddle and whispered in his ear that we were leaving, and would see him tomorrow morning.

30 minutes later the nurse at Kelso Hospital called my mobile to say that he had passed away. I believe that it’s quite common that when the family departs from the bedside, having said goodbye, the patient often slips away. But at least he got to hear about Andy for the last time.