"My wife's hospice care in Busselton Hospital WA"

My wife had end stage liver disease and was in and out of Busselton hospital for a few years. It was such a difficult and heart breaking disease as we would all want her to stay in hospital, but she always demanded to leave, against the doctors advise. She was so ill, and every time she left the hospital, I felt pain and frustration. I could not understand how someone so sick would be allowed to leave the hospital. Kristin must had gone to the Busselton hospital via ambulance at least 40 or 50 times in the past 2 years, so I feel the doctors and nurses got to know her very well.

After many admissions and self discharges, and meetings with the hospital, I soon understood the laws and rules that she was free to leave, and was unable to be forced to stay. Everyone had to work within the guide lines and the laws. I then started to realise that my pain and frustration was not only felt by myself, but I saw was also felt from every single doctor and nurse that worked with her at the Busselton hospital, including the ambulance drivers.

I had meetings with the doctors and nurses, and quickly saw they were feeling the pain that I was feeling. The looks on their faces, the tears in their eyes, made me quickly notice that they weren't just treating this as just another day at work, they actually sincerely cared, 100%, and I cant find my words to express how lovely this felt. To have doctors actually tear up whilst talking to me, spoke volumes. And to share a tear whilst hugging me, when I was upset, spoke volumes to me as well. I believe doctors must be professional, but to see them have tears about our situation, showed compassion, and showed we are all human, and made me feel I am purely in safe hands, with people who actually sincerely care. I felt I knew they were doing everything in their power to help.

Kristin's 2 main doctors, you know who you are, you know my gratitude, and I cannot thank you enough. I have tears right now as I am writing this , for my sincere gratitude for everything you have done .

After my wife was admitted to hospice , I quickly realised the magnitude of the job of the nurses. Wow do I take my hat off to them. I feel sometimes the work they do must go unseen. The work you do is amazing, and a job that I believe 99% of humans would never be able to do. You took care of my wife, and you treated me and our situation with the utmost respect, and I just cant express how much I take my hat off to you for the hard work you do, you are all amazing. Once again hugs and tears also shared.

I felt the palliative care team just so professional and also amazing. The amazing Pharmacist showing pure compassion and professionalism.  The meal ladies. Absolutely everyone I saw. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I never knew the Hospice ward existed, but wow what an amazing service I feel we have here in Busselton. I felt this was like a gift from the gods , a specialised ward that gave the utmost V.I.P service, to end of life patients, and family members , which allowed me and family and friends to come and visit 24/7 , whilst my wife was finally given the opportunity, to pass away with dignity, in a nice clean hospital bed , with the help from the beautiful staff (and also I must mention, the lovely, selfless volunteers I saw).

The professionalism of all the staff I saw at the Busselton Hospital is a ten out of ten, and I cannot speak highly enough of you all. I tried to personally thank you all , but once again I sincerely thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. Could I pick anything that was wrong , or should be changed, or do I have anything negative about the Busselton hospital ? Absolutely not! Thank God, I believe our community is so lucky to have Busselton Hospital on our door step . I have been in many hospitals in my life, and no hospital has ever compared to this. Thankyou again xxx