My father was in Midgley ward for just over 2 weeks in October with fluid on the lung which was found to be lung cancer. Initially, he underwent active treatment to try and improve his situation. The doctors, Ben and Veronica, were very patient in explaining Dad's care and what they were hoping to achieve. After a few days, it became clear that active treatment was no longer an option and Dad entered the palliative stage. Again the doctors explained clearly to Dad and the family what this meant, and thankfully it was in line with what Dad wanted.

I have a background as a hospice nurse and chose to stay with him for the last week. Right from the word go I was overwhelmed with the level of kindness and support I received from every member of the team during my time. Everyone was present, competent, patient, compassionate, and genuinely caring rather than just playing a role. Nothing was too much trouble, and I felt completely held and supported in caring for Dad. I was allowed to sleep in his room on a mattress, and the nurses and doctors respected my knowledge and allowed me to be as involved in Dad's care as much as I wanted but also, importantly referred him to Connor, the specialist palliative care nurse who was excellent and assessed Dad beautifully. He asked just the right questions and identified needs and feelings that I was unaware of which were vital in adjusting Dad's medication and making him more comfortable. I can't fault the care given by the nurses and HCAs. I always felt listened to when I expressed any concerns, and they were acted on almost immediately- whether it was breakthrough medication that was needed or changing Dad's bed to an air mattress when his pressure areas needed more protection.

In the beginning, I was anxious and asked lots of questions, and I was never made to feel a nuisance- they always had time and reassured me, and when I wasn't sure about something I felt I could always trust the nurses' expertise. I can't name everyone, but some of the nurses and HCAs who looked after Dad are Jemma, Reannah, Megan, Deepika, Blessey, Hasha, Louise, Hilda, Neha, Amanda, Laura x2 Teresa, Rebecca, Stacey, Lisa, Michelle, Elisa, Sagi and Hannah.

The kindness shown by the catering and cleaning staff was really touching. They provided meals for me as well as Dad and took care of me with clean bedding. Steph walked me around the ward until we found a free shower. Anthony and I shared stories about our pet dogs. Karen's mother-hen approach made me cry the first time she insisted that I must have a meal too. Wendy, the housekeeper, always had a kind word and checked how I was and Molly, Aliyah, Claire, and Erica were all equally warm and caring.

Having worked as a palliative care nurse in the hospice setting for many years, I was amazed and very heartened at the level and quality of care that Midgley provided. The hospice philosophy is to offer a holistic approach and to care for both the patient and the family and this was certainly the case on Midgley. Dad was asked if he had any spiritual needs, and the nurses were very interested in who he was as a person, taking an interest in the photos we brought in and the book Dad had written. Dad was an artist, and the ward allowed us to bring in some of his paintings to hang on the wall. This was very important to Dad, and a great comfort to the family, and the team was delighted and shared this with Dad. Dr. Ben had encouraged us to bring "home" to the hospital. Being given a single room made this possible and made a world of difference to all of us.

On Dad's last night, Sagi, the HCA on night shift woke me up to tell me Dad's breathing had changed which allowed me to hold his hand and be with him for his last moments as he died. This meant so much to me, and I will forever be grateful to him. My brother and I washed and laid Dad out, and Hannah, the HCA, gently offered me a shroud. This was perfect as it was white and, with the sheet, became a blank canvas. We put a paintbrush in Dad's hand, ready for his next painting. Hannah was gently in the background supporting me and my brother as we did this last act for Dad. Reannah, the nurse, explained the process we would need to go through after we left the hospital and talked us through the bereavement booklet. There were lots of hugs goodbye and then my brother and I left. I was left feeling peaceful and happy, and I will carry the experience of that week with me my whole life. It was so special and profound with some extremely precious moments, and I have the team at Midgley to thank for that.