"End of Life care in Castle Ward, Lings bar"

My father was transferred from QMC in May 2013 suffering from advanced prostate cancer which had spread to his bones and a range of other medical conditions. He knew that he was in the last few months of his life and he needed sympathetic and appropriate care to support both his medical and emotional needs.

Our first impression of the hospital was so positive - the staff welcomed us all with real warmth into an attractive and well-organised setting. The green outdoors spaces and clean wards immediately lifted our spirits and made us feel that my father was in a safe and appropriate place.

He was treated with respect from the beginning and was made to feel that everyone was there to help and support him. As his condition worsened and his anxiety increased, they continued to care for him and for us as a family in every way that they could. We were so relieved that he was able to spend the whole of his last six months in Lings Bar and that they were more than equipped to provide palliative care of the highest order.

We were consulted at all stages about his care and we were always informed of any changes in his condition openly and honestly. This we very much appreciated. I live abroad and so was particularly impressed by their willingness to enable me to talk with my father on the phone as often as I wished thus helping me to stay in close contact with both him and them when I was unable to be at his side. This helped me to feel that I was able to help my father a little in between my visits to see him.

We are very grateful that my father was given the kind of care that allowed him to die with dignity. We could not have asked for more and owe all the staff a huge vote of thanks for everything that they did for him and for us.