"Care of my mother on Hatton Ward"

I am writing to let you know how impressed we were with the care my mother received whilst in the care of your hospital.

My mother was admitted to Hatton Ward in early March and died there three days later. All of the staff were so diligent and professional at all times but also incredibly considerate. My whole family were completely blown away with the kindness shown to us. Nothing was too much trouble and we never felt that we were not welcome. At every hand over the nurses introduced themselves and shared what was happening with Mum’s treatment. We appreciated the efforts the staff nurse went to, to get Mum into a side room and how the desk was cleared as Mum was moved to protect her privacy. We also welcomed the support we were given in ensuring that she was as comfortable as possible in her final days.

Coming from a family of nurses (Mum had been a nurse herself) I have long been aware at the long hours doctors and nurses work and how hard that work is, but there was never a point in any of the days or nights that we were there that their energy or good nature waned. Everyone we dealt with on the ward was the same. The little touch by the volunteers to make bags for left belongings was a beautiful and moving touch.

Our only criticism of the care Mum received was a fault probably in the system / training. The doctors were very diligent in their care but we felt their continuous need for results became a little intrusive and unnecessary. We believed that Mum’s kidneys might well have been responding to treatment but it was obvious for some time that Mum wasn’t. It wasn’t until my sister stepped in to say that we were well aware Mum was dying and could we please just make her comfortable that they looked at the bigger picture. Again, we welcomed the support of the ward staff at this time. We felt Mum lingered far longer than she needed to. She was a very devout Catholic and not afraid to die, but to hear her beg to die was unbearable. I appreciate that doctors have to try and treat people but I would suggest that they begin to look at the whole patient and what their needs and prognosis are rather than prolong treatment.

In short, Hatton ward should be held up as an example of excellence, -the absolute epitome of what the NHS can and should be; professional, well run, but above all compassionate.

I have already written to the staff of Hatton Ward to pass on my thanks and praises but I wanted you to know what a comforting experience it was at a particularly hard time.

Kind regards