Langley’s hospice and hospital provided stellar care

This letter was written to the editor of the Langley Advance Times.

Dear Editor,

I just came through a pretty horrific experience with my wife of 52 years getting ill and passing away.

But the people, the care of her family doctor, and the care at Langley Memorial Hospital and at Langley Hospice were exceptional.

The doctors, the nurses, care aides, and all of the paramedical personnel did their jobs with compassion and expertise. From the moment she was admitted from the Emergency Department to the ward she had nothing but caring professionals looking after her.

Due to the nature and severity of her illness she was one of the "lucky" ones who actually got a room, unlike so many on stretchers in the hallways at the hospital. The nurses started almost every shift introducing themselves and apologizing for being shortstaffed. They then explained why, because of this, things might take extra time to get done. But that wasn't their fault, and they did remarkably well.

Visitation by the family was never restricted and other visitors, especially friends, usually cleared visits through me prior to coming to the hospital.

When she was transferred to Langley Hospice, where the volunteers and staff did not appear to be shortstaffed or harried by their workload. All showed a level of care, compassion, and expertise that was exceptional.

There was support not just for her, but for me and my daughters as well.

From the quality of the food in hospice to the medical and nursing care, I commend them all.

I don't wish my experience of having to go through the suffering and demise of a loved one on anyone. But if you must, I can only commend the care and caring of the doctors and staff at LMH and Langley Hospice without reservation.

Stephen Shore, Fernridge

Read the letter from the Langley Advance Times website here.