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Care Opinion

My father’s illness and death

Posted By iMunros

"My father’s illness and death"

About: Crosshouse Hospital / Ayrshire Doctor on Call (ADOC) NHS 24 / NHS 24 (111 service) Scottish Ambulance Service / Emergency Ambulance University Hospital Ayr / Combined Assessment Unit (CAU)

(as a relative),

My father became unwell overnight, the community alarm service was contacted and then NHS24. An on call doctor arrived and after discussion with my sister and myself, and after examining Dad, concluded that Dad should be admitted to Ayr Hospital. With Dad’s condition deteriorating, I phoned 999 and ambulance arrived fairly soon afterwards.

Dad was taken to the CAU and staff attended to him almost immediately. It soon became apparent that he was very seriously ill and that other family should be informed. As soon as a room became available he was taken there.   He passed away peacefully the following day at 4pm with all of us with him.

Throughout the time he was in CAU, he was treated promptly and professionally and with dignity and respect. We were cared for and supported throughout. I have nothing but the highest praise for all the staff in CAU who were involved in caring for Dad and for us. We could not have wished for anything better. Communication from the medical staff, the care and compassion of the nursing staff were all of the highest quality. We can only express our thanks to all concerned and commend the hospital on such quality service and support.

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Responses

Response from Linda Robertson, Clinical Nurse Manager for CAU, Combined Assessment Unit (CAU)- Crosshouse Hospital, NHS Ayrshire and Arran 4 years ago
Linda Robertson
Clinical Nurse Manager for CAU, Combined Assessment Unit (CAU)- Crosshouse Hospital,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

Submitted on 11/09/2019 at 14:33
Published on Care Opinion at 16:12


Thank you for your kind words. Our condolences to you and your family. Coming into hospital is stressful at any time and obviously no more so when you find yourself facing that end of life period. We strive to ensure all our patients are treated with dignity and respect, with delays in getting into a ward as short as possible. Communication is vital to ensure everyone is clear and supported as they require to be. I am glad to hear that you felt staff kept you updated and informed during this difficult time. We often talk about what is a good death and that is very much down to the individual and their families needs, support and good communication being key. I will ensure your post is shared with staff within the Unit as I believe it is good for staff to hear about the good experiences people have had.

"Those we love can never be more than a thought away... for as long as there is a memory they live in our hearts to stay"

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Response from Shona Lawrence, Clinical Governance Lead, Nursing and Care, NHS 24 4 years ago
Shona Lawrence
Clinical Governance Lead, Nursing and Care,
NHS 24

Submitted on 12/09/2019 at 10:08
Published on Care Opinion at 10:08

picture of Shona Lawrence


Dear iMunros

Thank you so much for sharing your experience on Care Opinion. I am sure this remains a difficult time and I offer you, and your family, my sincere condolences on your sad loss. I am so pleased your family feel your Dad's care was managed with compassion, dignity and respect. It is great for staff to receive such heartfelt thanks from families and I see that Linda will share your comments with the staff at Crosshouse Hospital.

Within your story, you referenced contact with NHS 24 which resulted in an Out of Hours GP attending to your father. Our staff always try to put callers at ease, especially when a loved one is very unwell as it is appreciated that callers will be anxious and worried. Your story will also be shared within NHS 24.

Thanks again for taking the time to get in touch.

With best wishes to you and your family.

Shona

Shona Lawrence

NHS 24 Patient Experience Manager

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Update posted by iMunros (a relative)

Thank you for your kind words, and Linda’s too. I am delighted these comments will be shared with staff, but please note that it was CAU at University Hospital Ayr, not Crosshouse.

Response from Alan Martin, Patient Experience Manager, Corporate Affairs and Engagement, Scottish Ambulance Service 4 years ago
Alan Martin
Patient Experience Manager, Corporate Affairs and Engagement,
Scottish Ambulance Service

Submitted on 17/09/2019 at 09:23
Published on Care Opinion at 09:23

picture of Alan Martin

Dear iMunros,

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your story on CareOpinion.

Please let me pass on my sincere condolences for your loss. I appreciate this must be a very difficult time for you and your family and for you to have taken the time to share this lovely feedback speaks volumes. It is lovely to read about how all were cared for and given support. Not wishing for anything better is a wonderful thing to read.

I would like to thank you once again and I wish you and your family all the best.

Kind Regards

Alan

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