"Excellent care given to my aunt and uncle"

Over the last 18 months, the conditions of my aunt and uncle who both had a number of serious health issues became acute. My aunt had oesophageal cancer and died in November 2021. The care and attention she received prior to her death was wonderful.

 I would like to commend Monklands Hospital. Despite being obviously under pressure, I was given clear assessments of my aunt’s condition, thorough updates and was treated like a partner in her care. The Hospital at Home Service allowed her to remain at home when otherwise she would have had to have gone into hospital.  The District Nurses were caring and compassionate, always checking that we were coping, and ready to respond instantly to any changes we reported. 

North Lanarkshire Care staff went beyond their professional role in supporting us, often picking things up from the shop in their very short breaks if my aunt mentioned that she fancied something or needed something. They coped well and were extremely compassionate when my aunt had, albeit rare, episodes of frustration associated with loss of ability to communicate effectively towards the end. 

Social Work Services OT reacted very quickly indeed to provide mobility aids and services as my aunt’s condition deteriorated, and to offer support including just listening, where we needed it.

Our  GP Practice provided such a high standard of care. Each of the GP’s, reception staff and pharmacist were involved in her care. They responded quickly to any enquiries we made and trusted our observations of my aunt’s condition. They worked closely and coherently with the District Nurses. The degree to which they went the extra mile for their patients is exemplified in the following incident. 

My aunt was close to death but the District Nurse / GP team were still working to address new symptoms as they appeared, to ensure my aunt’s comfort.  The District Nurse requested a prescription after her visit and the Practice Manager got it filled and came to drop it off at the house, sadly just moments after my aunt passed away.

The Boots pharmacy staff were very supportive and helpful throughout, although there was one essential medicine, that they were unable to supply for some weeks. Lloyds Pharmacy were always able to supply it. My point is that while the staff were excellent in every way, they were hampered by their sourcing and supply chain.

My uncle died mid March and everything I have said above applies to his care too so there is no need to repeat. 

I am compelled to record this appreciation of the services because people seem more inclined to share any disappointment or dissatisfaction with the services, and while constructive criticism can help to guide the development of a service, a lack of balance can create a false picture .

Well done North Lanarkshire.