Inverclyde Royal Hospital staff hailed for end-of-life care for couple

Margaret O’Brien and her husband Alfie both needed treatment at IRH at the same time earlier this year, after it was discovered Margaret had terminal brain cancer, while Alfie was experiencing organ failure in his lungs, liver and heart.

The pair, who had been married for 58 years, both became unwell in January and they were initially in separate wards in the IRH, but after medical staff noticed their conditions worsening, they decided to make arrangements for them to be together while they received treatment.

Alfie was admitted to hospital on January 4 after displaying symptoms of pneumonia - a condition he had most winters.

However, following tests, it was discovered his organs were failing.

While he was in hospital, Margaret stayed with daughter Vanessa, who began to notice her mum was getting a bit confused and took her to local GP Dr Rai, who advised that he wanted to refer her for a brain scan.

Margaret and Alfie were married for 58 years (Image: NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde)

Vanessa said: “I cannot thank the staff enough for everything they did for our family and for my mum and dad.

"The efforts were amazing, both consultants Dr Maycock and Dr Simmons were absolutely brilliant.

"They kept us up to date with exactly what was going on and even worked together to explain the situation of what was happening with mum to my dad in such a compassionate and caring way."

Vanessa hailed the 'amazing' gesture by hospital staff to place her parents together in the same room.

She said: "My mum and dad were inseparable.

"You didn’t get one without the other, so getting the chance to have some more time together at that time, that’s just incredible.

"It was huge for the family as it meant we could always be with them too.”

Alfie and Margaret with daughter Vanessa and grandchildren Carla and Ben (Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde)

After some time together at the IRH, the couple were moved to Bridge of Weir Care Home, where Margaret passed away by her husband’s side.

Ten days later, on February 27, at home with his family, Alfie passed away. The family were able to arrange a funeral for the couple, in March, with a double coffin, meaning they were back together.

Vanessa said: “I would say this has been beautifully tragic, I think that’s the best way of putting it.

"It’s a strange feeling, I can’t tell you how at peace I am. My parents had everything how they wanted it, they were able to spend some of their final precious moments together at the IRH then at the care home.

“We have experienced every part of the care services during this time and I cannot speak highly enough of everyone.

"From the consultants who treated and comforted my parents, the nursing teams who arranged the room for them and provided such great care, to the GP Dr Rai and the care home staff, everyone went above and beyond for our family.

“My parents were legends, I think staff at Inverclyde Royal Hospital recognised the true love story that was their marriage and relationship.

"Our whole family has lost our best pals, which is hard, but we’re comforted to know they were together throughout all of this. The kindness we have experienced will never be forgotten.”

Melanie McColgan, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s director for Clyde, said: “I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to all of the O’Brien family.

"Our entire team were moved by Alfie and Margaret’s story and were honoured to be able to provide some comfort to them and to the entire family during an emotional time.

“Our patients, their families and the whole IRH community are so important to our staff, who continue to go above and beyond for those they care for and we are touched by Vanessa’s kind words.”