"End of life care"

Ambulance into A&E 7. 30am on a Sunday. Very speedy attention, great respect and dignity maintained. Staff receptive to my information on events leading up to admission and past medical history, special pressure mattress sourced within 5 minutes of my request and Consultant thoroughly explained the Liverpool Care pathway and checked the DNR form with me to ensure that all my mothers wishes were clear and would be respected.

Staff ensured a telephone available to make any calls to other family members and I was given breakfast and hot drinks and emotional support all the time we were in A & E including a pass for the car park to avoid me having to constantly feed the meter to avoid clamping.

I was kept informed about bed availability and timescales. Once moved onto the ward staff again showed respect and apologised about the lack of a separate room. Once again I was given hot drinks and a sandwich enabling me to stay beside my mother in her last hours.

Another move later in the day to a private room on a elderly care ward and again lovely staff, gentle care to ensure my mother was clean, comfortable and pain free and turned regularly to avoid pressure sores until she passed peacefully away in the early hours.

In total 48hours of quality care and respect both for my mother and myself and other family members in contrast to a hospital experience 3 years ago in the same hospital.