"Once again the RHCH provides compassion & top..."

Earlier this year the RHCH dealt with my father’s emergency admission perfectly. Not many weeks later my elderly mother was admitted late at night through the A&E department for a serious condition. She was looked after by the staff in a gentle yet professional manner and in a couple of hours was tested, diagnosed and settled into the acute admissions ward. The ailment required full admission to the hospital where she was transferee temporarily to

Kemp Welch ward where I and other family members witnessed such care and patience with Mum’s treatment ( she had a dementia related condition) when she needed to be placed in isolation while a possible infection condition was tested. A few days later she was transferred to Clark Ward. Despite the efforts of Doctors and nursing staff Mum’s condition could not be improved and when the prognosis was given to us by the consultant and registrar, the sad news was delivered clearly and compassionately. The registrar stayed behind and took the time to talk through what we could expect to happen in the coming days. It helped enormously when the time came to have to tell my father that Mum was not going to survive. The final three days of my mother’s life were spent in a quiet, dignified way. This is thanks to the medication given to elevate any discomfort she may have felt and the constant monitoring of how she was by the nurses. The respect and support shown and given to all members of her family as they visited to say goodbye, by the Staff on Clark Ward will never be forgotten. They made time to talk to us and supported us through a very difficult last weekend. Sadly Mum died as we had left her side for a short period however I was told that two members of the nursing staff were with her as she died. For that we all give our grateful thanks. I was informed straightaway that we could spend as much time with Mum as we needed. There was no encroachment by staff during this period but once again the nursing staff were there to comfort and support all 11 members of the family who were there.

At a time when our hospitals are under great pressure to deliver targets I would like to say The Royal Hampshire Hospital, Winchester demonstrated one of its core values to care for all magnificently. Thank you to all the staff who came into contact with my mother for their complete professionalism and the added compassion and respect they gave her at all times. I would also like to thank the member of staff in the Bereavement Office who guided me through the first days of dealing with the administration needs of a death. Once again WELL DONE WINCHESTER and thank you.