"Grateful for the care of my grandmother"

My 88 year old grandmother recently spent the last three weeks of her life in room 8 on K North at the Inverclyde Royal Hospital in Greenock. She had a very serious fall which resulted in a C2 (neck) fracture.

I currently live in Canada and was very distressed that I could not be there with her and my grandfather. As a nurse myself, it's very difficult to receive updates third hand from a non medical professional.

After receiving permission from my grandfather, the staff on K North daily accepted my phone calls, taking time out of their very busy routine, to update and reassure me about her condition. It was evident in their concern and knowledge that my grandmother was in good hands.

My mother flew to Scotland to be with my grandparents where the staff showed great care and compassion to her and my grandfather daily. So often, the care is delivered to the patient with great professionalism but we forget about the family who feel lost and overwhelmed.

Up until the day that my grandmother passed away, the staff went out of their way to ease the burden on my mother and grandfather by always listening and caring. I wish I could name everyone individually who made a very unpleasant experience bearable for my family and I but there are so many.

I just want to extend my deepest gratitude to the staff and management who cared for Mary Henderson and all of us who loved her. She will be dearly missed but I am ever so grateful that she spent her final days in the company of those who cared for her so professionally and personally.