"A ghastly outcome, but that's not your fault."

What I liked

The paramedics were wonderful and tried their best for my mum. They remembered that I had also come in the ambulance and came out to tell me what was happening.

When I finally got to my mum in Recussitation, the doctors and nurses were kind and explained to me what was going on. I appreciate how hard it is to tell someone that their mum is about to die and their world is about to turn upside down.

What could be improved

After the paramedics left I was left in the waiting area, as my mum lay dying in A&E - it was only when I reminded staff that I was there that I was taken through to her. Then I was taken to the relatives room which had no light, which was unfortunate.

One nurse (lovely in all other ways) kept referring to my mum as 'the lady'. I know she was being polite but I wanted to scream that she was my mum.

After my mum died there was no one to help me. The nurse gave me a taxi number and a leaflet and I just left on my own. I was standing outside the entrance, waiting for a cab when my mum had died just 30 mins before. I understand why this happened, but it was pure hell.

Anything else?

When my children are grown up and I have time to spare, I would like to come and help bereaved relatives in a hospital. I have lived through what is a hideous nightmare, and I would really like to help other people through that awful time.