"Patient care and comfort of family"

My almost 96 yo father had three days before had a fall with bad bruising, was diagnosed by his doctor with Pneumonia and brought into A&E in extreme pain with the knowledge before arrival he was heading for the Acute Medicine Ward early on a Sunday morning.

A&E quickly established that he also had a chest infection due to breathing difficulties and we were cautioned that at his age and physical condition his survival chances were poor. Very quickly he was stabilised and pain relieved (my no 1 priority) and within 2 hours a bed found in Bay 1. In view of his state we were allowed to wait beside him. I have to say that throughout the whole process, which lasted some 8 days, and included a day in Bay 2 then the remainder in Ward 106 his comfort and pain relief were prioritised.

Treatment was well explained by the consultant and the nursing and other ward staff brilliant. A day in Bay 1 enlightens one into the volume of commitment required of all staff to handle the throughput while maintaining treatment of needy patients. We were frequently asked if we needed support ourselves and as my fathers condition first improved and then started to deteriorate the Nurses and doctors did everything possible to meet my fathers wish to be discharged to pass his remaining time in his Home bed.

This was achieved when a window in his stability presented itself and he was safely transferred. He passed away peacefully in his sleep two days later comfortable in his usual surroundings. The patience of the staff and the care throughout was impressive and made our suffering so much more bearable. Thanks to all.