"Irene. A&E treatment and end of life care."

For the attention of A&E Manager and Ward 7 Doctors and Nurses. I am reviewing the last few days of my mother's life spent at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. My mother Irene had a massive heart attack at a residential care home on the early morning of Bank Holiday Monday 26th August 2019. On arrival of the paramedics at the care home she was given emergency treatment which probably saved her life. On arrival at Stoke Mandeville A&E she was taken immediately to the resuscitation area where doctors and nurses worked extremely hard to stabilise her. My sister and I arrived within the hour to find Irene very restless and struggling to breath due to the build up of fluid in her lungs. Several hours were spent by the doctors and nurses balancing her medication and treatment to make her as comfortable as possible and to decide on her course of future treatment and care. The family were kept fully informed and we have nothing but admiration and respect for the care given, despite all the pressures involved with treating other patients. In the late afternoon we were advised by Registrar and A&E Consultant that consideration had been give to Irene being transferred to High Wycombe Coronary Care Unit. However the Consultant was very concerned that Irene would not survive the journey and that because of her failing heart and the problems of balancing removal of fluids against possible kidney damage it was thought best to keep her at Stoke Mandeville where the level of care would be on a par with that at High Wycombe. Irene was moved later in the afternoon to Ward 7 Bay 1, where she received a high degree of attention and care from the doctors and nursing staff. Again on reflection the family were very impressed. The doctors were notable in their attention and regularly checked with Irene on the treatment options before talking also to the family. Sadly Irene died peacefully on the morning of 29th August 2019. We were treated kindly by all members of staff. There was a Staff Nurse who was particularly attentive and empathetic. You will note that we have given a 5 star - very satisfied review in all areas. A heartfelt THANK YOU from the family.