"Nurses of the first order"

This is the transcript of one of the monologues used in the Every Interaction Counts day run by Patient Opinion and Rotherham NHS FT in October 08. All events in this monologue are fictional. The day my father was transferred to Hawthorn Ward, can only be described as a day of immense relief. On arrival, at visiting time on the first day, I was literally chased down the ward by my Father’s nominated nurse, so she could give me an update. She told me about his condition, the treatment he had already received and what future treatment was expected. As we walked into my Father’s bay, his face lit up and we could see the relief he felt at being there. He voiced his gratitude every time a member of staff attended to him. We were so reassured by the standard of care given that we left the ward that night, as though the world’s problems had been lifted from our shoulders. Thankful at last that our Father was in safe, caring hands and should he pass away, then at least his experience of life would not have been the misery of his experiences on the other ward. Throughout his stay on Hawthorn, we were approached by staff at every visit for an update and the staff did everything in their power to ensure my father was comfortable, out of pain, needing for nothing and treated as an individual with respect. They ensured we were aware of the situation, explained everything to us, offered advice and assistance and listened to us all when necessary. The staff on Hawthorn ward are without doubt nurses of the first order. These are dedicated nurses, caring about both the patients in their care and the relatives. They gave the terminally ill patients both the respect and dignity they so deserve in their final days. After just under two weeks on Hawthorn my father improved so dramatically, he was discharged home. Admittedly still gravely ill, but his faculties in full working order and home care organised. Click here to see other monologues from the day.