"How to look after someone who is dying"

My friend was admitted to Torbay hospital on 25th October thinking he was probably in need of a blood transfusion.

However the doctor in the A&E department said he was very poorly and I now know this means that it is very serious indeed. Nonetheless he was given Saline, Antibiotics and much more and everything was done to keep him comfortable.

The Doctor on A&E4 told me on Saturday morning that his Prostate Cancer had spread from his bones to his liver and infection had taken hold and his chances of coming through it were very slim and therefore to expect the worst.

The Sister on the ward (who’s name I am ashamed to say I can't remember) later asked me whether I would stay with him until the end. I explained to her that I had a problem with dead bodies and didn’t know whether I could. She also explained to me what would likely happen to him over the next few hours.

Her words came true practically to the letter and I am so glad I stayed as it was so peaceful, just as she had predicted.

So please could you thank her for me. In fact please would you also thank the other staff that were on that day as each of them in their own way made my friends end bearable. I will not forget their kindness to me.

I know at the present time with all the cutbacks that the NHS has suffered and all staff are severely stretched. So the time and attention that I received was outstanding.

So Thank You Torbay Hospital.