"Ward 12"

My sister and I are waiting for my mother to die. This is a rather stark statement to make and it is emotional for us but it is nevertheless the fact of the matter. Our mum has been treated and looked after in several wards and departments in Wishaw Hospital over many months possibly in total over a year. Without exception it is our belief that our mum as received excellent treatment and care.

We have now invaded Ward 12 for goodness knows how many weeks, initially on a small ward and for the past 3 weeks or so in a single room. Whilst we and our extended family think the hospital has been a very good place to receive care and spend many hours visiting. I have to say that I get somewhat emotional when I think of our on-going experiences in Ward 12. I am a little worried that it may seem that I’m going over the top a bit, however, when it’s a loved one or maybe especially when its your mum all sense of formality seems to disappear. Feelings are exposed, raw, vulnerable but also very honest. Quite simply we can’t find the words to adequately express our thanks and gratitude to the staff on Ward 12; Nurses, Auxiliaries the Serco Team and of course the Doctors. I suppose putting it simply its reasonable for the public to expect a professional approach, see skills and expertise deployed. What we can’t really expect is to see the consistent kindness that the skills and expertise are delivered with both to patients and visitors. I am always struck by the level of care, whether its in the delivery of challenging information or in dealing with patients who are themselves proving challenging at that moment. There is an overwhelming concern for the impact of words and actions that I’m not in any way afraid to dramatically say; I find humbling.

As family our expectations are managed by the doctors and nurses very regularly, directly, factually but with great empathy, I never feel rushed or confused or troubled. This clarity, certainly for us is a real comfort and helps us to support our mum and her thinking appropriately at this time. Equally though, we have seen this same service delivery to patients and visitors throughout the ward sometimes in quite difficult circumstances and I think its that which has prompted me to provide this feedback and make these points.

People the world over come to work with their own problems and issues occupying their mind, that’s natural and normal and will be the case in Ward 12 but, you’d never know it. It feels and seems that the patients and I may add their visitors are always the priority and it’s just outstanding. Everyone seems to know what to do and when to do it, there is great teamwork between colleagues and I suspect excellent leadership overall which leads to an environment with great values, standards and consistency.

Our mum isn’t quite at the end of her journey but it’s coming soon and maybe it won’t quite end in Ward 12 but I know that she is very aware of the outstanding support and care that both she and we have received from the team including: Amanda, Mary, Tamara, Joanna, The Carly’s x2, Isabella and the Serco girls, Tracy, Andrea, Angela, Laura, Boss Karen and of course Dr Logan and Dr Catriona (sorry C I can’t remember your surname)…AND I know I have missed some names and I’m sorry about that but I can assure you that this is a team which we think is outstanding and for whom we have the utmost respect. This is their everyday job but we have been overwhelmed by how they have made us feel and how helpful that has been in these challenging circumstances.