"Outstanding care from the staff of Ward 41"

Recently our mother, Jean, was admitted to North Tees Hospital, Ward 41, with a suspected stroke. A few days later her condition deteriorated and she received end of life care until she passed away on the 11th February. For the week before, her family was able to be at her bedside 24 hours a day.

We want to pass on our sincere thanks for the care Mam and our family received during this difficult time and we’d specifically like to mention the following.

(a) When first admitted, Paulo, the Stroke Coordinator, kept the family informed at all times, reassuring us regarding her care and condition.

(b) Robyn, the Palliative Care nurse, checked in regularly with the family, offering whatever support Mam or the family needed.

(c) ALL staff treated Mam with dignity and respect at all times, looking after family too, regularly checking that we were comfortable and making sure we had everything we needed. This included putting a blanket over a sleeping member of the family during the early hours of the morning.

(d) The Oasis Suite was a wonderful place to use when we needed some time to ourselves, or simply a place to relax and reflect: priceless!

(e) Regular visits from the chaplaincy, particularly the kind words of the Baptist minister.

(f) Our sister’s birthday was 7th February and the staff arranged a cake and sang happy birthday to her….this seems to typify the extraordinary care we received.

We sincerely thank you all for supporting Mam and her family through a very difficult time, enabling her to pass away peacefully and with the dignity this precious lady deserved.

We understand that the NHS has a system for nominating people/wards for exemplary care (Shining Stars Award)  and we’d like to nominate Ward 41 and the staff who work there. Can you do this on our behalf or let us know how to do this please?