"Couldn't wish for better care"

My Father is currently being cared for in the SSMU. Over the last week I have met a number of Nurses and Support Staff together with Doctors and Consultants.

It would be expected that with such a number of staff covering the different shifts that occasionally there will be one person with whom it is difficult to communicate or has different views on what is best for the patient than you have.

I have had numerous stays in different hospitals for different reasons so I believe I am able to make a value judgement on how my father is being treated and I am proud to say that his care has been exceptional on the SSMU.

Every member of staff has extended not only medical attention to my father but have treated him as a person who's dignity should be respected even when his behaviour goes beyond difficult to aggressive.

This is not a normal state of affairs for my father and is brought about by the infections he is fighting and this important fact is recognised by the staff. They may dislike the behaviour but they always like the person behind it.

I have been made to feel welcome no matter when and for how long I visit. His needs are met promptly and every member of staff goes out of their way to accommodate not just my father's ever changing needs but also those of all the other patients in his bay.

Changes to food and drink requirements do not present any difficulties, I as his carer am consulted and included in discussion regarding his wellbeing, I feel involved and part of Dad's team.

Unfortunately the media only seem to print stories that show nurses and others in the caring professions in a bad light. Bad practice and cruelty do need exposing but I am pleased to be able to redress the balance in this message.

I reiterate again that everybody I have met who has come into contact with my father has gone above and beyond themselves to help him.

Irrespective of the outcome of his care he couldn't have been looked after any better.