My stepfather is in his final days of life, cared for in Ward 5 Dr Grays. A former builder, he is now a frail, old vulnerable man who is sedated and no longer able to react to stimuli around him.
I visited him today and was touched by the care and compassion that the ward staff have shown, not only to him, but to my mother and others who have visited him. We've known for a number of years that this day was coming but he'd rapidly deteriorated over the past 4 weeks and was admitted to hospital two weeks ago.
I just want to say to the staff of ward 5 in particular and to NHS staff more generally, how much of a comfort it is to see those in their final days and their family experiencing such sincere care and empathy.
When I thanked one of the nurses, she said that it was a privilege to care for someone during this stage in their life. I could tell that she meant it. Fortunately, most people don't have to deal with death and illness routinely in their lives so our ability to cope is influenced hugely by the expertise, experience and more importantly, care, love and compassion of our health workers.
I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You all do a wonderful thing.
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