Alex was coordinating a nursing shift one Sunday when a request came in to accept a child onto the ward for end-of-life care. A medical ward is not normally a place where the child comes to die, and often, children go to the local hospice or home. However, this family knew the ward, and they wanted to be in a locality close to the family and familiar surroundings. 

Alex felt very strongly that every child/family has a right to choose where to die and have the best possible death. Alex came up against debate and conflict that day from many colleagues asking if the ward was the most appropriate place, could they manage the specialist care, could they staff it, why couldn’t the child go to the hospice etc, etc… 

Alex advocated strongly for the child and the family for their right to choose. She felt strongly as a nurse it was the greatest honour to care for a child and family at the end of their life. She challenged if some children could have 1:1 care when needs were high/complex, why could not this child have this service. Her efforts supported the child being transferred to the ward. 

Over the 4 days the child was nursed on the ward, Alex cared for the child every shift she worked that week, including after the child had died and when they left for the undertakers. She was kind and compassionate; she listened and was there for the child and the family at all times. I honestly believe that if it wasn’t for Alex, the child/family may not have had their wishes followed at the hardest time of their lives. The family is so grateful to Alex and all of the ward staff - who were an excellent team in their child’s final days. I will always be grateful to Alex and the difference she made. She should be proud of herself.