"My mother, who was taken in by ambulance and died in hospital"

My 92 year old mother had collapsed at home and was brought in by ambulance on in mid May. She was coherent, in a bed, the A&E doctor was excellent and treated my mother with respect and listened to her views, she also communicated well with me so I knew what was happening despite them being very busy.

After four hours, probably, she was moved to the Acute Medical Ward, where the care and compassion in treating her was excellent. She was not an easy patient that evening, but they were very understanding of her and did all they could to help her feel cared for. We expected her to recover but the following morning she was unconscious, as requested in her will I told the nurse and doctor about her wish to not be resuscitated. This they respected and removed drips. My mother died later in the day, again this was handled so well by all involved.

I particularly wish to thank the student nurse who was with my mother at the time she died, her care and compassion with my mother, myself and my father was amazing (especially for one so young) We arrived shortly after she died as my father was also ill and at the doctors prior to our visit, when we arrived they had given my mother her respect, combed her hair (which would have mattered to her) and were altogether lovely. I include the other staff on the ward, unfortunately I do not have any names as events moved so fast and I was also caring for my father. The doctor who saw my mother was also caring and also informative and helpful.

What can I say, my mother had a peaceful death, she was not pulled around, she had respect, she was with her husband a few hours before, she was in hospital only 24 hours from entering A&E. It was a 'good death' She was spared living a half-life in care, this, as a strong, independent lady, she would have hated.

If I can be as fortunate in my going, I will be grateful. thank you to all at East Surrey Hospital who made this difficult experience a good one.