"Care of my mum was just outstanding"

Recently my mum was admitted to the via the accident and emergency to the combined assessment  unit. My mum was in her mid 90 and had been getting more and more short of breath. In the A+E she was poked and prodded with needles and they gave her oxygen and antibiotics.

They said that it probably wouldn't be long before she died. It was all very clinical and they were obviously busy though they did do their best to try and care.

My mum was moved to the CAU and the rest of our family arrived. We met the Consultant Nurse Paula who spoke to us together as a family, asked about mum as a person and if she had any specific wishes about what she would want at the end of her life. We talked about dignity and ensuring mum was comfortable and we felt that she really took the time to find out about mum as a person. She even came in every so often and just sat and held her hand.

We decided that we would not do anything else that would cause mum distress, no more drips but did make sure she was comfortable. She and the nursing team made us feel that nothing was too much trouble. We understood what was happening and we felt the the team got to know mum as a person.and eventually when mum passed she did so surrounded by family and new friends.

The team were a credit to the service and we were so grateful for the care and comfort they all provided. A particular thank you to Paula, you explained things in a way we understood, you got to know mum and you became an anchor for us while the rest of the word spun out of control. We can't thank you enough.