"Partner's ICU Admission Post-Surgery and End of Life Care"

My partner Owen had been admitted with swellings on leg, and an abscess. He'd had extensive surgery last year for necrotising fasciitis but was recovering. He had several days in the fantastic Ward 7, led by the amazing Sister Janet, but eventually needed emergency surgery, led by Mr De Souza, Urology Surgeon. He was assisted by several surgeons and anaesthetists, as they found extensive disease again and had to perform very major surgery. We were told Owen was unlikely to survive, and he was transferred to Monklands Intensive Care Unit, where he was placed on life-support. This was to be where he was cared for in the last 5 days before he passed away.

I cannot express my gratitude to all the nurses, doctors and ancillary staff during this time. Owen's care was exceptional, he was treated with dignity and kindness, as was I and his family. The nurses expertise is astounding, managing all the machinery, but still managing to treat him as an individual, making sure he was clean and tidy, trimming his moustache, mouth care , I could go on forever. 

Communication during this time was brilliant, we were filled in on a daily basis by the nurse, and the Sister, Marie. The Consultants spoke to us most days, and explained by Wednesday Owen could not recover. On the Friday, Mr McKenzie reviewed Owen's case, and told me he was not going to recover, and we agreed to withdraw all active treatment. We were heart-broken, but wanted comfort and dignity for Owen, and this was respected by all staff. Owen had a very peaceful end, with me and his close family by his side, and this dignity was preserved by lovely Gillian, the Nurse who provided all his end of life care. She was so kind to Owen and I, I will never forget her quiet gentle way.

I can never thank every one of these staff for trying to save my Owen's life, he was just too ill, but it wasn't for the want of trying, all these people working on him in relays in theatre, all the follow-up care. Thank God for the NHS. And thank all these people on my behalf.