"The care Southport and Formby hospital gave my uncle during his final 3 weeks"

I have recently read about the Liverpool Care Pathway and realise that this was the care and decisions taken in conjunction with myself regarding my uncle's treatment.

He was an independent batchelor with an active lifestyle living alone. One night in the early hours he felt unwell and tried to go to his front door to call for help. Unfortunately he collapsed inside against the door with a massive stroke. He was not found for 24 hours, and was taken to the above hospital.

He had no other relations and as his only relation I travelled from Cornwall to be with him. The staff were excellent, the hospital was clean and the doctor discussed every detail with me. It was a choice that I was given with no pressure.

He passed away painlessly and peacefully a few days later in the early hours and the night nurse telephoned me and I was able to be with him. If he had been able to have the choice with his doctor that I was given it would have been his wishes.

He was paralysed, unable to speak or eat with no prospect of improvement. Tests had shown this. Mentally he was aware of his situation, Everything that was done for my uncle at the hospital was professional, compassionate and caring.

I consider that it was in his best interests and he would have agreed, to have hastened the end of a life that had now become impossible for him to bear.

I thank all who cared for him during his short stay and final days. They were marvellous. my uncle died in 2009.