"Rhys Lewis Ward - A Wonderful Place With Wonderful..."

My dear cousin was treated by the Trust’s Oncology department over a period of 13 years. She received nothing but the very best of care and support, which made all the difference to her and her family during this most anxious of times. Her consultant, surgeon, breast care nurses and all staff at the Rhys Lewis Ward were absolutely incredible and she trusted them implicitly to do their utmost for her – and they did. In November last year, she found that her secondary cancer had suddenly accelerated and was admitted to Rhys Lewis Ward at Essex County Hospital for further investigation and treatment. She had been treated there before during her fist illness and subsequent treatments and knew she was going to be admitted to a spotlessly clean, caring and respectful environment where despite so many very sick people, every day brings smiles and and encouragement to those who are suffering and to their families. Sadly, and despite everyone’s best efforts, there was little left to be done, but in the time she was in hospital through to the two weeks she had at home before her last few days, the care she received was second to none. I cannot express how deeply grateful we are for the many kindnesses, expert care and respect for dignity shown to my cousin and for the support we were given to help her and ourselves through her final days. In particular, I would like to mention the doctors, nurses and other non-medical staff of Rhys Lewis Ward who were kindness and understanding itself, along with the Palliative Care/End of Life Team and District Nurses who helped us at home and were never far away when we needed them. My cousin was a very brave woman indeed and coped amazingly with everything that life threw at her, but I cannot emphasise enough the positive impact all of these people - as both individuals and as teams - had on her, and indeed on us, in helping us to face her death. They made a difference.