Quote:
Originally Posted by Acrylic-bob
Margaret P, it is rare that I disagree with you, but on this occaision I feel I have to.
Like you, I have witnessed the administration of pain relief and palliative care to a person very close to me who was dying of cancer which left her unable to eat. Effectively, she starved to death. I also witnessed the apalling laxity, rudeness and general lack of care exhibited by the staff of Christies Hospital, Blackburn Royal, the local Hospice and the GP's service. If it had not been for the Macmillan nurse an elderly woman would have died in a deal more agony and fear than she eventually did. The experience was anything but cosy and reassuring and supportive. It scarred all of us who witnessed it. Moreso because we all knew it was largely unecessary but were powerless to do anything about it, no matter how loudly we remonstrated.
I had a pretty low opinion of the NHS and its staff before this shocking death. My opinion of it and them now could not be any lower. I DREAD the day that I should have to rely on the NHS for anything. Let alone End of Life care.
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I am really sorry to hear of your experience A-B and can understand why you felt you needed to disagree with me.
I have had a bad experience with the Christie Hospital....and when I was working it was always held up to us in the DGH as the epitome of care and service....but my experience didn't perceive it like that.
But then again, I did have
many patients who were given excellent service from our local hospice and the palliative care team from there(they visited daily or more often if the need arose).....and it is
that on which I base my comments.
I have been out of the NHS now for almost 10 years.......and I know things have become increasingly tough...resources limited etc.
End of life care is a very difficult and emotive subject......and dealing with the dying (and their relatives - who need just as much care as those who are at the end of their life) is a labour of love. It really needs dedicated services with nurses who really do care about those in their care.
I know when I trained, we were always taught to not get involved, but from my own experience, I cannot see how you can look after someone at the end stage of their life without some emotional involvement....because failing to become involved, means that you don't fully grasp the importance of getting it right.
That is my perspective on it anyway.