"I had precious last moments with my mother"

My story relates to the ward that my mother spent the last month of her life in, Oak Tree Ward 2.

My mother, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia just over three years ago, had declined fairly rapidly in the last few months.

She has never had a huge amount of issues with her physical health but as time has gone on more issues have become apparent.

Mum was in a care facility for just over two years where she was taken great care of, but the decision was taken in February of this year to admit mum to hospital for observation.

Mum was still very unsettled for the first two weeks but it soon became apparent that mums health was deteriorating, despite the many attempts to persuade mum to eat she would not, her medication was also changed but unfortunately the progression of her dementia seemed to override the solutions offered.

It was at this time a family meeting was held, the one every family dreads, that mum was unlikely to leave hospital and that her health was going to rapidly decline.

I had been in constant touch with the hospital and found them extremely helpful, sympathetic and professional, but I really noticed just how wonderful they were when I decided to stay at the hospital.

What was a very stressful and upsetting time for myself and my family was made so much more bearable ,thanks to every member of staff on this particular unit.

The compassion and care  shown for not just mum, but for myself, my husband and my son was just wonderful, nothing was too much bother.

Even the little things like making us breakfast while they cared for mum, and just someone to chat to.

These staff are an asset to the NHS and I really cannot praise them enough.

Thank you is never going to be enough, it meant I had precious last moments with my mother.

Thank you.