"Brent ward"

My mother was cared for on the Brent Ward, after becoming seriously ill. It turned out she had AML and unfortunately died within 10 days of admission. However I felt that Derriford did everything they possibly could in their power to save her. The nurses were attentive and kind, the consultant Eva was really good and told us what was happening at each juncture. Unfortunately Mum had contracted a fatal fungal pneumonia as a result of the leukemia, but they really did try so hard to get on top of it. We were confident they had tried absolutely everything and gave her the best chance she could have had. The ancillary helpers who came round with tea and coffee were really kind, very sympathetic and accommodating.

She first was cared for in Tavy, which is a somewhat busy ward, but had her own room. I have to say we were glad when she did move to Brent ward, where the care felt more stable.

My only complaint was that there were simply not enough staff to cope at night, and any quality in care that wasn't up to standard happened then. In retrospect had I realised I would have stayed in every night of her stay, but hindsight is a fine thing... As it was I was made very welcome when I stayed for the last two nights, and feel very grateful to have been able to spent this time with my Mum, as it facilitated my acceptance of her sudden death.

We were kept informed every step of the way, from the initial diagnosis of sepsis due to pneumonia, then discovery of the AML, the discussion of treatment and finally the honesty in the last two days that the pneumonia was going to be fatal.

It was a horrible experience, but the hospital staff were exemplary.