"Exemplary staff in cardiac care"

My Dad collapsed and was admitted to the Coronary Care Unit. He was quickly fitted with a pacemaker which went very smoothly. He was then admitted to ward 113 and once he had recovered a bit, to ward 103. The staff on both wards were exemplary. My Dad has dementia and unfortunately it is not an understatement to say that being in hospital, away from familiar surroundings and person was a trauma.

He became increasingly anxious and agitated as time went on. The staff were kind, compassionate and incredibly patient, even when he was awake for most of the night. It made such a huge difference to us, knowing that he was receiving the best care. Without this, it would have been so much more difficult for all of us. We are truly grateful that the staff go above and beyond their job to him, and us, as humans who need reassuring. 

My Dad actually commented several times on how clean the wards were and the food was excellent, with a great choice. Our only complaint is about the transport on the last day. We had been informed that my Dad would be taken home by ambulance by lunch time and we had told him this. We were still waiting at 7:00 pm, despite the ward staff phoning up. At this point we decided that he wouldn't be able to tolerate another night on the ward after the previous night and drove him home ourselves. This was potentially risky but we felt that there was no option as he'd been so distressed the night before.

The ward staff were excellent at answering our calls and trying to give us as much information as they could but we were frustrated by the lack of information from the patient transport service. Had we known that they would not turn up, we'd have taken him home ourselves earlier in the day when it was light and safer. 

Despite this frustrating end, we are endlessly grateful to staff on wards 113 and 103 for their professionalism and understanding.