I hope you never have to directly deal with a palliative care unit. However, if you do, it is likely that you will come across an amazing group of people.
My father was cared for by an extraordinary group of nurses at the Ipswich Hospital before he died in 2004. They were so patient and caring and always knew the right thing to say to us, his family, and to him.
Our family pretty much moved into the unit for a week. This included my three sisters, my mother, my partner and my 3 month old baby. My sister slept on the floor of the ward next to my father’s bed. The rest of us slept in the lounge next to the ward and in the Red Cross room provided for families in our situation. It was extrememly supportive to know there were professional, good humoured, caring providers for my family at that time.
So, thank you to all you wonderful nurses who work in palliative care units. You are amazing and play an incredibly important role in the lives of grieving families.