"Stay At RUH - January 2016"

“ I, and my wife, have nothing but praise for the care my 95 year old mother-in-law received at The R.U.H. recently..

She was admitted to A & E on New Year's Eve with an unidentified infection which triggered a seizure. From A & E she was moved to the Medical Assessment Unit over-night, from where, after a brain-scan which revealed no further brain damage (since her stroke 12.5 years previously) she was moved to Pulteney Ward.

Within a few days we were told that the cause of the infection could not be identified without invasive procedures thought unsuitable for her age and frailty. All medication and hydration were stopped immediately, therefore, and we were told that it was 'only a matter of time'.

With compassionate care and excellent food - of which, sadly Mum ate little - she stabilised such that she was approved for a C.H.C. place and was transferred to 'Woodside', a 'Cedar Care' nursing home on Bathwick Hill where she continues to surprise us with her increasing awareness. Again, she is receiving excellent care for which we are extremely grateful.Even though you are, clearly, always short of beds there was no attempt to discharge Mum early. We were never put under pressure to identify a care home until the ward were confident that Mum could be discharged safely and to a home of our choice

What impressed us most, during Mum's stay at RUH , was that, at no stage did we have to press for answers. At each key decision time - including the hospital's initiative in recommending C.H.C. - medical staff came to see us with their recommendations. The two young trainee doctors were sensitive and faultless in their handling of what must have been a very difficult situation for them. Nursing and care staff, equally, changed Mum, turned her, provided what little treatment was required, without prompting from us.

Pauline and I would like to thank RUH for the seamless and compassionate care they showed to Mum while she was in their care. I will, belatedly, copy this feedback to the Chief Executive as it has been a pleasure to have seen a side of the NHS which, sadly, is not reported as often as we would all like.

Exemplary service. Thank you.