"Fantastic Health Care and a Dignified Death"

The respectful care of the elderly, dying with dignity and a respectful death can often be subjects we don't talk about or give feedback on. This week, my mother-in-law passed away on her 90th Birthday in the most dignified, caring and respectful way. 

To say that I was surprised by the high level of care given, is sadly an understatement. I too work in Health Care and know how challenging it can be to deliver good, caring and consistent services with how busy wards are, and how limited our resources can be. I know how long it can take to get to a bell or how difficult it can be to speak with families and carers when you have so much to do.  Dealing with elderly patients  in what will be their last encounter with health care is a special time and we felt that all the staff on the ward took the time to explain to us what was happening. They also spent time talking to our teenage children about all the aspects of care they were delivering and the difference it makes, as well as answering all their questions and showing them methods of delivering pressure area care and explaining sub-cutaneous injections. 

Every time we walked out of our mother's room we had friendly staff, both non-clinical and clinical, ask if we were ok or if we needed anything. Every time - which is huge. Every encounter we had with staff was positive showing me the 'Ramsay Way' culture was truly embedded in their workplace and in the care they delivered. You have shown us compassion in a consistent way I must admit, I wasn't sure could exist so consistently anymore.  I also know that it can take one person, one negative tone of voice, one throw away comment to give a poor patient experience and do appreciate the significance of this never happening once during her end of life journey.

I have felt that the highest level of medical care and partnering with us and Mum during her last days has significantly impacted on all of us and would like to say a meaningful and grateful THANK YOU!