Brian Riches - Chislehurst (From News Shopper)

Brian Riches - Chislehurst

in Letters

Recently my 104-year-old mother, Doris Riches, was admitted to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford following a fall down some stairs.

As you can imagine, she suffered serious injuries which ultimately took her life some four weeks later.

Regardless of this inevitable outcome, I cannot thank all of the staff enough for the care and compassion they showed to both my mother and members of our family during this very emotional period.

Obviously I was by my mother's bedside for many hours and during this time I witnessed not only the care given to my mother but that given to other patients in her ward (she spent all but two days on Laurel Ward).

Whilst at all times patients' dignity and welfare was utmost in their minds, it was also the compassion that accompanied their actions which could only be reflected from dedicated staff.

I am sure that many write to express their gratitude in this manner but I would like to go further.

I am adequately qualified to comment on the management of the hospital and as a casual observer perhaps better placed than most to see a true representation of achievements.

My mother and I had reason to make use of all the facilities and services and all, to me, appeared almost faultless.

From regular medical attention and feedback to the attention to detail given by the ward cleaner whilst going about his duties.

From support for myself and other family members on hearing of my mother's pending death to the standards of meals.

From the cleanliness of corridors and other public places to the fact that even the young chap at the reception desk was aware of the name of the chief executive.

All very impressive and indicative of a well run establishment.

Brian Riches
Chislehurst