My dad had several medical conditions including leukemia and skin cancer. As a family, we have had contact with lots of departments within the health service but absolutely none have ever matched the incredible care both my dad and his family received within this department. Our first contact with Jackie revealed a woman who welcomed us onto the unit with both professionalism and incredible warmth. The treatment dad received was not a pleasant one, but one that had to be done, sometimes on a weekly basis. Over time we as a family got to know both Jackie and the whole of the team. As soon as we would arrive they all greeted us with a smile and a cup of tea. The atmosphere was always uplifting with lots of humour. This was always lovely to be part of, on what could sometimes be for dad, a really uncomfortable and exhausting day. It really did help to lighten the load of a difficult procedure ahead.

Dad’s treatment on the unit was always delivered extremely professionally with what seemed to be the gentlest of nursing hands. As his condition worsened dad sometimes became very confused and found his confusion both frustrating and embarrassing. However, on no visit was dad ever treated without the utmost dignity. He was always given time to express his concerns and was never rushed by Jackie or any other staff member due to work pressures or staffing levels. Dad was a bit of a worrier and over time Jackie and the team learned how to explain things to dad, as a wrong word could set him off on weeks of worry. Every new development was always given with honesty but delivered with reassuring words. These are the simple but effective ways that can, and did, make all the difference.

Dad's care within the unit never stopped just because a problem that needed solving was not their area of expertise. I recall an extremely tough time when dad had excessive ear infections due to his skin cancer. He was in lots of pain and I had been unable to make contact with the relevant department. I felt both emotionally and physically frustrated and drained. Jackie took the situation into her own hands and was able to make contact for me. To do this she had stayed beyond her contracted hours for the day, working with other departments to ensure Dad’s care was moving forward.

On the day dad passed away Jackie was aware that he was an inpatient, and had by chance popped in to see him before her shift began, no doubt to offer some words of encouragement. It seemed fate delivered Jackie to us at that very moment as there really was no other staff member that we would have wanted at our side during those last few treasured moments with Dad.

For all of this, we are, and always will be, eternally grateful.