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Care Opinion

Palliative Care for my brother

Posted By Hmacca86

"Palliative Care for my brother"

About: Antrim Area Hospital / The Macmillan Unit District Nursing / District Nursing - Larne Larne Family Practice

(as a relative),

My brother had been diagnosed 20 months ago with a rare form of liver cancer. In Feb 2021 he was told he had weeks to live he spent 8 weeks in the Macmillan Unit in Antrim Area hospital, many of the same nurses and doctors that cared for my mum in 2018.

The team where exceptional special: shout out to Dr. Thomas, Davy and McCann as well as nurses, Marie, shinny, bizsy, Gemma and Clare, all fantastic. Chris began to deteriorate and he knew he wanted to come home for his final days to be part of it all and see the little people (his 4 year old daughter and nieces) he got that wish with the help of the fantastic team in the Macmillan Unit.

The district nursing team supported when he came to my house with the 3x drivers he had daily. Special shout out to Kate for the first 2x days he was out, she was great especially Easter Sunday organising antibiotics for my brother in antrim. Then Ashley (dont know her surname but she is the sister) who was unbelievable in my brothers final day at home. She was like rapid response to my house and spent most of the day in and out with my brother trying to get his pain under control, on to the GP and Macmillan Unit. She is fantastic as what she does and made things that bit easier watching my brother in pain was heartbreaking but knowing she cared and was trying her best really helped.

She then got my brother readmitted to the Unit when he sadly passed the next day. She asked me to keep her posted when he got to the unit and when I told her he had passed she had text me the most lovely message, which was really comforting. She then called after my brothers funeral to collect driver cases and spoke to us about how great we were in caring for my brother, it meant so much. You are absolutely amazing, keep doing what you are doing!  

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Responses

Response from Glynis Whittle, Community Locality Manager, Community Care - Ballymena & Antrim, Northern Health and Social Care Trust 2 years ago
Glynis Whittle
Community Locality Manager, Community Care - Ballymena & Antrim,
Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 30/04/2021 at 17:37
Published on Care Opinion at 17:54

Dear Hmacca86

My name is Glynis Whittle, I am a Community Area Manager in Newtownabbey and Lead Nurse for the East Antrim Locality. Within my role I have responsibility for District Nursing and we are continually working on how we can improve the quality of care and experience for clients and their families.

Thank you for taking the time to provide such lovely feedback, I am delighted that the District Nursing Sister and her team give such supportive care during this difficult time for you and your family.

Palliative care is a fundamental part of District Nursing and we aim to do it well. I will share your comments with the team and I have no doubt they will appreciate your recognition of their continuity of care, expertise, professionalism and the compassion of which they demonstrated.

Thank you so much,

Glynis

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Response from Sally Convery, Service Lead - Palliative Care, Macmillan, HSPCT, Northern Health and Social Care Trust 2 years ago
Sally Convery
Service Lead - Palliative Care, Macmillan, HSPCT,
Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 30/04/2021 at 19:12
Published on Care Opinion at 22:43

Dear Hmacca86

My name is Sally Convery Macmillan Service Lead for Palliative Care, I have responsibility for the Macmillan Unit in Antrim Area Hospital. Firstly I would like to offer you my sincere sympathy on the death of your brother, I have no doubt that the reality of your bereavement brings an array of memories and emotions.

We very much appreciate that you have taken the time to provide this really valuable feedback. The focus of care within the Unit is to enhance quality of life and offer a holistic approach to care through a wide range of services by meeting the individual needs of each person. I am delighted that you and your family received the care and support you all required at this difficult time.

I will share your feedback with the team, who will treasure it as a recognition of the care they provided. Please remember in your bereavement we are still here for you.

Take Care

Sally Convery

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