"Outstanding palliative care Busselton Hospital"

My father was recently admitted to the Hospice Ward at Busselton Hospital for palliative care.

A volunteer hospice function has been established in the ward which includes a lounge area, food preparation and a quiet room / bedroom for families.

I travelled from Europe and arrived in the middle of the night - the bedroom was prepared for me and the nursing staff ushered me in without any delay.

Over the course of the next week I had the privilege to interact with the nurses (and doctors) on the ward. Words can not convey my deep appreciation for the level of professionalism and kindness that I was so fortunate to have encountered. Heroes, angels, legends - any and all of the above go some way to characterizing the palliative care team.

My father elected VAD - Ruth the nurse administrator and Sandra the attending doctor and Ingrid the supporting physician guided us through every step of the process. Both physicians gave freely of their precious time off during a weekend to help our family. Despite the pressures of their day-to-day responsibilities they always prioritized time with us to answer our endless questions.

The care and professionalism we experienced at Busselton Hospital exemplifies what all public health services should strive to emulate.

Thanks to all the staff and volunteers for all their support and for making my fathers last days as comfortable possible. To Lori , Marie, Claire, Georgina, Elisa and the other nurses whose names escape me thank-you for choosing this difficult field of nursing – you are amazing.