"Excellent HDU and Copthorne Ward Staff and Care"

My aunt was admitted just over two weeks ago and received excellent care from everyone dealing with her. At 91 years of age she was admitted with what turned out to be a perforated bowel. The team on HDU were excellent and caring. The doctors explained in great detail, to me and my brother, what had happened and what the outcome was likely to be. The staff on Copthorne Ward were equally excellent and caring. Sister Milly, Annette, Laura, and many others whose names I do not remember were brilliant.

Not only did they treat my aunt with respect but gave her dignity in her last weeks. They also treated visitors with respect and - even in the sad situation we were in - managed to bring a smile to our faces. Cups of tea and coffee were offered and accepted and the staff from HDU even remembered my mum, who had visited previously, and hugged her while she was walking along the corridor to visit her sister. The doctors met with us a few times to keep us informed. As we live in the Midlands getting information was crucial and we were not let down.

Caroline from the Macmillan Palliative Care Team was lovely too and gave me reassurance that everything would be done to keep my aunt peaceful and pain free.

The whole experience was made less traumatic by the entire staff we met and who were caring for my aunt.

The W H Smith coffee shop is another matter! Poor service, surly staff and long queues. The coffee was fine when it eventually came.

Thanks to all the nurses, doctors and all on the wards and in the operating theatre as well as the ambulance service team.