Mother was treated with respect and dignity by nursing and care staff at Dunmurry Manor home

THREE-and-a-half years ago, due to failing health, my mother Matilda ( Tillie) Crawford became a resident of Dunmurr y Manor nursing home. Initially, when she was mobile, she enjoyed the activ ities in the home, sitting outside in the garden and the care staf f even took her out into the community for stimulation.

I was her primary carer, as nominated by the family. I visited her in the home on average six days a week, accompanied most times by my husband. Our visits took place at dif ferent times of the day.

When I was unable to visit, my sister from England (a trained care manager) would come across, visiting our mother daily during my absence. Friends and her minister made frequent visits also.

Not one of these people, or myself, ever found my mother in an unfit state. Her personal care never came into question and her room was tidy, clean and odour-free. No concerns were ever voiced by any of these visitors, which can be verified by written documentation.

Both nursing and care staff treated her with respect and dignity. The nursing staff and/or management always contacted myself if there was a concern about her medical condition. When a doctor’s advice was needed, or a visit was required, they kept me informed at every stage.

Any other changes in my mother’s well-being were always reported to me. They then explained how they would be dealing with the issue and my input was also sought on these occasions. An example of her care can be demonstrated by the fact that, when she was confined to bed, she never developed bedsores.

My mother passed away on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. All staff involved with her care were extremely upset at her death and expressed this personally to me and the family. These are the facts, which I can verif y from my own experience and I wish the public to be aware of now. Relatives of other residents have contacted me and would support all that I have written.

Like them, I have been unable to have my voice heard in the media reporting on Dunmurry Manor nursing home. I have tried to contact several media outlets, but have been totally ignored, so this is why I have been forced into writing this letter.

From a grieving daughter.

ELSIE WILLIAMSON (NEE CRAWFORD) By email