Grateful for help in final hours

As a family, we felt the need to share our experience and give credit where credit is due.

My husband Desmond Young, was diagnosed with terminal cancer of the mouth and throat on October 13. His wishes were to remain in his home with his family and not to be admitted at any time to the hospice or a hospital. Throughout Des’s journey we had many medical professions and ambulance staff visit at home, offering advice and support as and when needed.

Our final journey began on Monday, November 15. This was our second experience with the paramedics within a short time.

Paul Kirton arrived and ensured he got Des comfortable and stayed with the family, showing us compassion throughout his attendance at our home.

On Friday, November 19, the community nursing team attended, as oxygen was ordered and would arrive at some stage throughout the day. During the afternoon Des’s condition became critical and two paramedics were called.

These two men, David Stevenson and Steven Rogers, were exceptional and very valuable to us at this time. They attended to Des and made him more comfortable, seeing to his needs and administering oxygen – the other supply which had been ordered was still nowhere in sight. They also ensured the family were aware, every step of the way.

These two men realised that the end was very imminent and Des was now rapidly slipping away from us.

They should have stayed with us only until Christine Woodard of the community nursing team arrived to take over. However, we felt they went the extra mile and stayed with the family right until the end.

Dave advised us when it was time to say goodbye to Des, and spend time with him in his last moments. For this, myself and Des’ three children and grandchildren will always be extremely grateful.

Even after Des slipped away from us, they remained, as did Chris, ensuring that the GP had been notified.

The only bad experience was that the oxygen finally arrived eight hours after ordering and way too late for Des. This we believe needs be addressed and the process simplified.

Mary A. Young,

Andrew Close,

Rustington