"The best possible care at a difficult time"

My mother was rushed into A&E last Saturday morning after a severe ischemic stroke, rallied slightly on Monday but suffered another, follow-up stroke an Wednesday before declining rapidly and passing away late Thursday evening.

Despite being 89, she had previously enjoyed excellent health, taking no significant medication and being able to pursue an active life, so her sudden demise was a shock. However, the care she received was second to none, from the moment the paramedics arrived to my most recent visit to the bereavement office. She was immediately given the requisite scans and her condition was quickly and clearly explained to me by the doctor on duty in A&E. Once she had been moved to the Stroke Unit, we were so impressed by the care and attitude of all the staff involved, from the consultant to the doctors, nurses and assistants on duty to the cleaning staff. Both she and we were constantly attended to and everything was done to make her comfortable and accommodate her and our wishes. Special mention, please, of the lovely member of staff who brought us tea and chatted so sympathetically to my mother's elder sister when I brought her in her wheelchair to say her goodbyes to her sister. Nurses too were very kind and helpful.

My brother and I, and our respective families, could not have been better pleased with the calm, efficient and compassionate care our mother received; thank you to all at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.