"My Mum was rushed into Stepping ..."

What I liked

My Mum was rushed into Stepping Hill on 13 December and was on the acute medical ward that day then transferred to ward A14. She was only semi conscious and very poorly indeed. The staff were incredible - I can't thank them enough. As she worsened they could not do enough for her. Her temperature began to drop and her circulation was not good and she was placed on a kind of inflatable mattress that was so soft and a heated 'bear hugger' cover was put on top of her. She was checked about every 30 minutes which was painful for her, but everyone was so kind and gentle with her, and spoke to her all the time even though she appeared to be completely out for the count. She died on the Wednesday and I never got to thank the staff on the ward for making her last days as pain-free and comfortable as they possibly could. We had to wait a while to see the doctor who had written the death certificate, but the doctor was lovely to us and explained everything and answered all our questions.

Anything else?

I am pleased to say I have never been in that situation before - sitting by the bedside of a close relative for hours at a time. It made me realise how busy and dedicated all the staff are, and how hard they work. I am going to be volunteering at the hospital as from September to try and give something back.