"Compassion of staff"

This is really just to say thanks to some of the amazing staff within ARU5, Ward 9B and the palliative care team for the care and compassion shown to my lovely Gran in her final few days.

She was first brought in with an infection and we were told that options were limited and that things would move to palliative treatment. We were told in a sensitive but realistic manner. My Gran was also kept fully in the picture and was at ease. First off the staff in ARU5 were excellent - They let us sit with my Gran all day despite her being in a busy receiving area. The staff nurse called Kerri and auxiliary nurse were so nice and kept asking if we needed anything and made sure my Gran was comfortable.

Later that day she was moved to ward 9B. In our hearts and minds, we were determined to see her move to the hospice but this was not possible in the end. Despite that, my Gran was treated as if she was in the hospice. The nursing staff - particularly the two Laura's - were so attentive and caring. Nothing was any trouble to them what so ever and they always made sure my Gran was comfortable and not in pain. They were also a rock to us as a family and would chat to us and listen to our concerns and worries. They allowed us to come and go and spend as much time as we needed with my Gran in her final few days. They also accommodated my uncle staying over one night with my Gran as he had came from Australia to say his goodbyes. We made so many happy memories in that time which me and family will cherish forever. We cried and we laughed and the staff were so good to us. I just want to say thank you for helping us through those days right until she peacefully passed away with us all holding her hand on the Friday night. Although this was not the end we envisaged, it was the perfect ending to an imperfect situation.

I also wanted to say thank you to the two Fiona's from the palliative care team. They ultimately had my Grans best interests at heart. They spoke to her so kindly and got to know her as a person rather than just as a patient. They ensured that she was comfortable and explained everything to my Gran and my family so sensitively but again ensuring we knew what to expect.

So thank you to all who expresses compassion in my Grans final days. She was a beautiful, brave and courageous lady who brightened up any room she was in.