"Excellent End of Life Care -Midgely Ward"

Subject: Enquiry via website

Comments:Good evening, I am watching the news this evening when everyone is damming the regions hospitals. I am so very cross!

I meant to contact you sooner but only now feel okay enough to comment. My mother, aged nearly 88 was admitted to the elderly medical ward on a Thursday in February, this year. Sorry I can't name the ward. Her GP had sent her in. At the weekend, Mum had an MRI scan, following a consultation with us all on the Friday. On the Monday, Dad and I were called in to the ward and with Mum we were given, very gently , her terminal diagnosis. We were immediately introduced to the palliative care staff. We, with Mum's wishes, then planned to take her home to die. They raised Mum's religious beliefs and Dad asked for the chaplain to see her.

We went home but were called in on the Tuesday morning to say Mum had deteriorated so much that she could not be taken home. We were given the chance to spend loads of time with her. When we left, the chaplain came , said prayers and gave her a holding cross -at which point Mum died.

Staff phoned us and informed us of the news in a sensitive way. Thank you all very much for all you did and how they informed us of very difficult news.

I work in Social Care with terminally ill children -so I may be little critical of other professionals. However they were amazing.

Thank you so much. I am now looking after my dad, aged 88 -who having been Mum's carer has been a little lost - is now picking up. One very grateful daughter and husband -with thanks

Name: Jan Wickens