"An exceptional student nurse"

My mum suffers from Alzheimer's.  She was admitted to hospital after antibiotics at home failed to cure her kidney infection and her situation had worsened by not eating and drinking.  After issues with her gp, she eventually started getting treatment from the hospital at home team.  They came out and assessed her and were excellent.  They arranged her to be admitted to forth valley hospital as she was so dehydrated they were concerned she had sepsis.

She was moved to AAU3 where an exceptional student nurse called Francie gave her fantastic care and attention.  At home I had been trying to get my mum to drink and eat and had only managed small amounts of trifle.  When I visited I had some trifle and spoon fed my mum a small amount and had managed to get her to take some water.  Francie had came in as I was playing music to my mum.

The next day when I phoned it was Francie who answered.  She had been caring for my mum and had got her to eat a full yoghurt and take a cup of tea which was amazing!  She had also put music on for her similar to what I had played the night before she also provided a full update of my mum's status and condition.

By the time I went to visit in the evening Francie had managed to get my mum to eat a full bowl of soup and some more tea.

I have been informed Francie is due to qualify in a few weeks.  I understand health care staff have a duty to make sure patients eat and drink but Francie had really paid attention to my mum and the music she put on was not necessary but it's these little things that make all the difference especially for a dementia patient.

I am so pleased Francie was there with my mum and the relief it gives a family member especially ones who's a carer is overwhelming. 

My big thanks to Francie and the team in Forth Valley Acute Assessment Unit (AAU and AAU3) and Carla from the Frailty Team for taking great care of my mum and going that extra mile to make her stay more comfortable