"Our Dad"

About: Care at home / Care at Home West Fife Community Services / Community Cardiac Specialist Service Fife Community Services / District Nursing Victoria Hospital / Colorectal Unit

(as a relative),

Our Dad was in and out of Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, last year (2023) to get ascites drained. He’d been ill for a number of years and was elderly and these visits took a large toll on his physical and mental health. Every time he was admitted to hospital he deteriorated and it took a long time to regain mobility and function when he returned home. 

At the end of 2023, ANP Carly, Ward 44, offered him the chance to have a permanent drain fitted which would allow him to stay at home and for the district nurses to attend and drain it. At this time carers came in twice a day to help him with personal care. 

With these things in place he actually initially improved at home and was able to stay at home for a further ten months. Staying at home was what our Dad wanted and without the drain this wouldn’t have been possible.  

The provision of Hospital at Home also enabled him to receive care at home when he needed further medical treatment. 

The cardiac nurse, Julie, was also instrumental in allowing him to stay at home, surrounded by neighbours, family and friends who cared for him. 

In his last few days, he was admitted back into Ward 44 under Carly and her teams care. They went above and beyond to ensure his comfort at the end of his life and we really appreciated that they were there for him when we couldn’t be. 

In our opinion NHS Fife and associated services provided excellent care to our Dad and did the best for both his physical add mental health.

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Responses

Response from Lead Nurse Specialist Services, Fife Community Specialist Services, NHS Fife 4 months ago
Submitted on 28/10/2024 at 09:36
Published on Care Opinion at 09:36


Dear Karen & Sheena,

On behalf of the community Cardiac team, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your kind words, particular regarding Julie and the care she provided to your dad. We are honoured to have been a part of your dads journey and deeply moved by your words. I am proud to say that all our staff are dedicated to providing compassionate care and treat each patient with respect and kindness and your feedback is testament to this.

I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for taking the time to tell us your dads story at such a difficult time for your family. I will pass your words on to the team. We are thinking of you and your family and I am sure all involved in your dads care will remember him warmly.

With deepest sympathy and appreciation,

Katrina

Lead Nurse Community Specialist Services.

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Response from Anne McEwan, Team Leader, Fife Community Cardiac Specialist Nurse Service, NHS Fife 4 months ago
Anne McEwan
Team Leader, Fife Community Cardiac Specialist Nurse Service,
NHS Fife
Submitted on 28/10/2024 at 14:50
Published on Care Opinion at 14:50


picture of Anne McEwan

Dear Karen and Sheena,

Thank you for taking the time to write to tell us about the care your dad received during this sad time for you. Your words are testament to the care Julie and the rest of our team strive to provide.

I am so sorry for you loss. You did everything you could to give your dad what he wanted and I am sure he would be so proud of you both.

I will pass this on to Julie and the rest of the team.

All the best,

Anne McEwan

Team Leader

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Response from Jane Douglas, Lead Nurse, Community Nursing, Health & Social Care Partnership 4 months ago
Jane Douglas
Lead Nurse, Community Nursing,
Health & Social Care Partnership
Submitted on 29/10/2024 at 13:02
Published on Care Opinion at 13:02


picture of Jane Douglas

Dear Karen and Sheena, I am sorry to hear of the passing of your dad but I am so pleased that he was able to have his wishes fulfilled and remain at home and for a further 10 months.

Thank you so much for taking the time out to share your story with me and I will pass this on to the district nurses who will really appreciate you sharing this with them.

Please take care of yourselves now in the coming months and thank you

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Response from Jennifer Louden, Senior Charge Nurse, Ward 44 Colorectal surgery and Gastroenterology, NHS Fife 4 months ago
Jennifer Louden
Senior Charge Nurse, Ward 44 Colorectal surgery and Gastroenterology,
NHS Fife
Submitted on 29/10/2024 at 17:23
Published on Care Opinion at 17:23


Dear Karen and Sheena,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I have shared this with Carly and the ward team.

I am pleased to hear that the team ensured your Dad was comfortable and well cared for in his final days. Your Dad will be fondly remembered by the ward team.

Kind Regards

Jennifer

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