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Hospital staff praised for caring
nature - Mum's 4 week Hospital care prompts letter of praise for staff
A mother of twins has praised staff at
Southport Hospital for the care they gave her late Mother during a 4 week
period. Lorraine Harrison's mother, Barbara, had a stroke back in September but
it wasn't until after the event her daughter realised the severity of the
situation. Sadly, Barbara, passed away 4 weeks later at Hospital and this
Christmas will be the 1st 1 Lorraine will have to spend without her devoted
Mother.
The care received prompted Lorraine, a mother
of 20 year old twin girls, to write to Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust's
interim chief executive, Karen Jackson. In it she expressed her gratitude for
the high level care and dedication and attention received by the Hospital staff,
including Consultant Physician, Doctor Paddy McDonald. This was 1 of 646
letters or cards of compliment received by the Trust, between June and November
2017.
Lorraine, 49, from Southport, said:-
"Doctor McDonald had several meetings with the family to explain Mum's condition
and the options - he always treated us as if he had nothing else to do that day.
He was compassionate and empathetic yet clear and professional. He answered all
Dad's questions with clarity and never rushed us. I can never repay these
wonderful people who cared for my lovely Mum in ways I could not. Doctor
McDonald and his team make a real difference to patients and their family's
lives. On 1 of the evenings, nurse Katie stayed 2 hours over her shift to care
for Mum when she nearly passed away. Mum's eyes would light up when she saw
Katie. I pass on our heartfelt thanks and admiration to these caring staff at
Southport Hospital.
Lorraine added:- "Although Mum had a
mini-stroke she eventually died of pneumonia as her lungs were not strong
enough; she had lost a lot of weight by the end. But I would urge people to be
aware of Stroke and how it can be any 1 of the 4 tell tale signs. I
originally thought it had to be all 4 of the symptoms which is not the case. So
please be aware of the warning signs and remember the FAST advice. If this
article helps to save 1 life then it was worth me writing my letter to the
Hospital. Please have a safe Christmas and happy and healthy new year."
Karen Jackson, interim Chief Executive of Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust,
added:- "Lorraine's letter was lovely and very powerful, I was so pleased
to receive it. We really appreciate that she took the time to put pen to paper
to let us know of the quality care her Mother received at Southport Hospital.
We are extremely proud to have received 646 letters or cards of compliment
between June and November 2017, from satisfied patients who have either used
Southport or Ormskirk Hospital."
The main symptoms of a stroke can be
remembered with the word:-
'FAST' =
Face,
Arms,
Speech,
Time.
►
Face –
the face may have dropped on 1 side, the person may not be able to smile, or
their mouth or eye may have dropped.
►
Arms –
the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them
there because of arm weakness or numbness in 1 arm.
►
Speech –
their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at
all, despite appearing to be awake.
►
Time – it is time to dial:- 999 immediately if you see any of
these signs or symptoms.
► For more Act FAST advice click on
here.
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