"Care of Grace Coldicott"

My mum in law passed away at Chippenham Hospital on 18 Sep 14. All the staff on Cedar were exceptional, both in terms of Grace's care and the time given to my family. For example, the day before she diedy wife arrived quite early on the ward. Withoutaking herself known she witnessed a senior member of staff writing up notes whilst holding Grace's hand as they worked. Grace was unconcious. The staff nurse was our main point of contact and was kindness and professionslism personified. The staff nurse is a credit to the profession. But I want to stress that ALL the staff were fantastic. To put this into context, My mum in law was first taken to GWH and we were singularly unimpressed with their frenetic and fraught care. She was then transferred to Cheltenham for an operation. The ward stank of urine and again, everyone was far too busy to give Grace the care and time she deserved. Once a dr had decided that an operation was not necessary, she was transferred with undue haste to Chippenham. We recall that the staff nurse was astounded that Cheltenham thought her well enough to travel. She nearly died that day. So you will appreciate the apprehension we felt when Grace was admitted. Her final days were lived on this planet with people who had time and the will to look after Grace. It reminds us how the NHS should look sound and feel like. Thank you all on Cedar ward from the Phillimore family