"End-of-life care for my Mother and the support given to her family"

My Mother was recently taken to Stafford Hospital following a short illness. In the Surgical Assessment Unit, my 91 year old Mother was diagnosed with bowel cancel. We were advised that, although operable, such an operation would carry high risk and potential substantial implications for post-operative quality of life. Following discussions with Dr. Sangal, my Mom made a decision not to undergo the operation. Unfortunately, this decision meant that Mom only had a fews days to live.

My Mother was admitted to Ward 8 on at the beginning of March where staff arranged for a private room so that family members could visit at any time; since we have a large family we did infact try to have someone with her all of the time. The care provided to Mom, and the respect shown to her by the Surgical Assessment Unit, Ward 8 and Palliative Care was exemplary, as was the understanding shown to family members during a difficult time; this extended to trying to make us welcome and comfortable during the night and arranging for free car parking.

Mom passed away peacefully, with all of the close family present, one day in mid March.

After Mom passed away we were very grateful for the timely help and guidance of the Bereavement Officer.

In terms of what was good about Mom's care and treatment with Stafford Hospital (and the help given to the family) - everything. We can't think of anything that was not done very well and we were grateful for the exemplary care and understanding shown to Mom and the family.