"Despite the sad circumstances, the treatment was..."

What I liked

My 89 year old mother was admitted with more than one complex condition. Although her initial response to the treatment was good, it became clear that her heart was failing and that she was not going to make it. At no time, did I feel that the doctors and nurses had "given up" on her and though she deteriorated rapidly, they made great efforts on her behalf . Her condition demanded stays in both ICU and Coronary Intensive Care, but despite the terminal nature of her situation she was handled with care and compassion at all times. The staff at all levels were highly competent and never once allowed my mother's dignity as a patient to be compromised. I have nothing but the highest praise ofr the staff at this hospital.

Anything else?

My mother was fortunate to be in a specialised ward where she received a high standard of care from qualified medical and nursing staff. There is a need for end-of-life areas where some intervention is required to bring comfort to a dying patient , easing their passing, but where they no longer need acute treatment. The Hospice situation is heavily focussed on cancer patients and beds for dying patients are at a premium.. My mother was fortunate to end her days peacefully and without distress. I believe there needs to be a greater provision for elderly patients (especially given the ageing population and the demands it makes on the NHS) who are not cancer sufferers but whose final days should be comfortable, free of distress and with as much palliative care as possible.