"Compassionate and professional conversation"

Yesterday we were called to St James to visit my husbands Uncle who had become very poorly overnight. As we arrived at the ward a call was made for us to speak with the doctor and we were taken to a near by unit where Uncle was being treated. It was clear Uncle required one to one support as he was very ill and agitated trying to remove equipment on him.

A Dr Hoefield came to speak with us. After sourcing a private space he took time to compassionately share with us the seriousness of Uncles condition and discuss the limited options. Throughout the conversation he was taking time to seek our understanding and take the lead from our appreciation of the circumstances. He anticipated thoughts and feeling we may have about decisions to be made ensuring we did not leave feeling responsible for making these but that we understood and were on board with things.

We appreciated that quality of care and being pain free and settled was the most important for Uncle and the equipment and procedures were causing agitation without the potential to improve his quality of life into the future. What was a difficult conversation and difficult news to hear was done with great care and compassion and we would like to thank Dr Hoefield for his time and approach. We would also like to thank colleagues who have looked after Uncle during his time at St James on ward 49 and 48. Your care and support is very much appreciated.