"Excellent end-of-life care"

Our mother was admitted to Barnsley Hospital in late February with gall bladder problems. A week later, the day before she was due to be discharged, she suffered a massive stroke and was transferred to the care of the acute stroke team. Mum was in a deep coma, and over the next few days, we were fully involved in discussions with medical and nursing staff when it became clear to us that she would not recover. We very much appreciated our involvement in the decision to place Mum on the end of life pathway. After three weeks in a coma, Mum died peacefully at the end of March. During Mum’s four weeks stay in the hospital, my sister and I spent many hours by her bedside and we were joined by a constant stream of visitors. We all commented on the excellent care given to Mum. The ward staff looking after her worked together with the numerous specialists who attended to her needs, all doing so with great compassion, respect, and care for her dignity. My sister and I are very grateful for the personal support and consideration shown to us during this difficult time by all medical and nursing staff, the Palliative Care Team and also the ancillary staff. We were also impressed by the welcome and generous hospitality we received as visitors, from the constant supply of tea and coffee to the offer of accommodation during Mum’s pathway period. Our grateful thanks go to everyone who contributed to this excellent, professional and caring teamwork.