"Thank you to Apple Tree Ward"

My grandmother suffered a stroke at her home early in December last year and she was admitted directly to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge and subsequently transferred to Hinchingbrooke Hospital on 13th December.

She is 101 years old and has lived independently at her home until this stroke, and indeed was driving until a year ago.

During her stay in Hinchingbrooke, Gran was cared for on AppleTree ward: Bay 2, and more recently Bay 4.

She has had many visitors: her three daughters; a son and daughter in law who came over from Australia to visit in January; a sister; nephew; grandchildren; and not to mention many friends and neighbours from near her home in Hilton and friends from the WI in St Ives.

All have agreed and commented that the attention and compassion that my Gran has received during her stay has been outstanding.

At a time of year when resources are even more stretched than normal, and the challenges of winter flu are at a peak, the ward staff have been cheerful, helpful, kind and respectful to her age and condition.

They have allowed her to enjoy treats such as dunked, softened biscuits, and Gu puddings to satisfy her sweet tooth.

And particular thanks to the lovely Healthcare Assistant who suggested that Gran's favourite tipple of sherry could be allowed, if thickened.

She has really enjoyed this treat every evening with her supper.

Nothing is ever too much trouble - even for the days when family visits evolved into a party in the day room, the kindness of your staff extended to providing trays of tea, coffee and biscuits for her visitors.

Updates on her condition have been considerate - coping with numerous phone calls from several family members; there has not an irritated response in two months.

From consultant to cleaners and canteen staff, physiotherapists, dieticians, OT, speech and language support, ward sisters and nurses - all deserve our special thanks.

Gran is being moved to a care home today where her care will continue.

Please accept thanks and gratitude from her whole family for the support she has received since December - Gran's family had, and continues to have, strong socialist roots, and we are proud supporters of a fantastic NHS service in Huntingdon.

Please share this with all who have been involved in her care.