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Comfort from tireless efforts of care at at difficult time

Posted By Reassured relatives

"Comfort from tireless efforts of care at at difficult time"

About: Borders General Hospital / Accident & Emergency Scottish Ambulance Service

(as a relative),

I wish at this time to commend staff for their timely response and efforts about my mum.

My mum was going about her usual day when suddenly she collapsed. The 999 call was responded to immediately and the the two ambulance crews did everything they could.

Once in the emergency department the emergency team lead by Dr McCarthy again did everything in a calm and effective way. It is with a heavy heart to say my mum did not make it. Although at this difficult time me and my family gain huge comfort from knowing everything that could be done was with the greatest level of professionalism.

Please can the paramedic crews and emergency team staff involved be commended.

Thank you

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Responses

Response from Lynn McCallum, Medical Director, NHS Borders 6 years ago
Lynn McCallum
Medical Director,
NHS Borders

Along with the Director of Nursing, we are collectively responsible for the clinical care delivered within NHS Borders.

Submitted on 04/10/2017 at 12:38
Published on Care Opinion at 12:46

picture of Lynn McCallum

Dear Reassured relatives,

Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us of your experience, particularly at such an incredibly difficult time.

As front line clinicians, we unfortunately have to deal with losing patients in unexpected circumstances on sadly too frequent a basis. For relatives, the heartbreak and shock of the unexpected events can make it difficult to comprehend what is happening and so I am very glad that we were able to reassure you that everything possible was done for your mum. In these situations, although the patient remains the focus of our efforts, we recognise that caring for relatives is also incredibly important as they are the ones who will live on with the memory of the events of that day. For the staff involved, every patient lost invokes great sadness as we reflect on the heartbreak of relatives, on our own mortality and that of the loved ones in our own lives.

I have spoken to Dr McCarthy and he is enormously grateful that you have taken the time to let him know that you felt that your mum and you as a family were well cared for. In addition, I will ensure that I forward your very kind words to the remainder of the team.

At this time, please know that our thoughts are with you as a family. If there is anything further that we can do or if you have any further questions about your mum's care, please do not hesitate to contact us.

With best wishes,

Lynn

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