A mother of twins has praised staff at Southport hospital for the care they gave her late Mother during a four week period.

Lorraine Harrison’s mother, Barbara, had a stroke back in September but it wasn’t until after the event her daughter realised the severity of the situation.

Sadly, Barbara, passed away four weeks later at hospital and this Christmas will be the first one Lorraine will have to spend without her devoted Mother.

The care received prompted Lorraine, a mother of 20-year-old twin girls, to write to Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust’s interim chief executive, Karen Jackson.

In it she expressed her gratitude for the high level care and dedication and attention received by the hospital staff, including consultant physician doctor Paddy McDonald.

Lorraine, 49, from Southport, said: “Doctor McDonald had several meetings with the family to explain Mum’s condition and the options - he always treated us as if he had nothing else to do that day. He was compassionate and empathetic yet clear and professional. He answered all Dad’s questions with clarity and never rushed us.

“I can never repay these wonderful people who cared for my lovely Mum in ways I could not. Doctor McDonald and his team make a real difference to patients and their family’s lives.

“On one of the evenings, nurse Katie stayed two hours over her shift to care for Mum when she nearly passed away. Mum’s eyes would light up when she saw Katie. I pass on our heartfelt thanks and admiration to these caring staff at Southport hospital.”

This was one of 646 letters or cards of compliment received by the Trust between June and November 2017.

Lorraine added: “Although Mum had a mini-stroke she eventually died of pneumonia as her lungs were not strong enough - she had lost a lot of weight by the end. But I would urge people to be aware of Stroke and how it can be any one of the four tell-tale signs.

“I originally thought it had to be all four of the symptoms which is not the case. So please be aware of the warning signs and remember the FAST advice. If this article helps to save one life then it was worth me writing my letter to the hospital. Please have a safe Christmas and happy and healthy new year.”

Karen Jackson, interim Chief Executive of Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust, added: “Lorraine’s letter was lovely and very powerful - I was so pleased to receive it. We really appreciate that she took the time to put pen to paper to let us know of the quality care her Mother received at Southport hospital.

“We are extremely proud to have received 646 letters or cards of compliment between June and November 2017, from satisfied patients who have either used Southport or Ormskirk hospital.”

The main symptoms of a stroke can be remembered with the word FAST: Face-Arms-Speech-Time.

Face – the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped.

Arms – the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of arm weakness or numbness in one arm.

Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all, despite appearing to be awake.

Time – it is time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.