AN ELDERLY man whose dying wish was to go home, was able to spend his final days in familiar surroundings thanks to staff at a Glasgow hospital.

NHS workers from the city's Royal Infirmary have been honoured for their compassionate care after they rallied round to help Ken Barrett's family create a 'home from home' in his hospital room.

The 86-year-old was admitted to hospital with severe sepsis in May and his family were told he would not leave his bed.

Treasured possessions, including photographs and his favourite books and poetry were brought in along with his own clothes and blankets.

The family had also put together a red book, detailing his life-story, which staff read to familiarise themselves with the elderly man.

Ken died, three weeks after being admitted, on June 6.

Although he had wanted to go home, his family say he did not mention this again thanks to the efforts of staff and said his passing, "was the best it could possibly be."

The team from ward 18 and 19, from domestics to registered nurses and consultants, were last night presented with the Special Judges Award of Excellence at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's annual Chairman's Awards, held at the Radisson Blu hotel.

Ken's daughter Joanna Greenock, who lives in Drumgoyne, said: "Dad’s main aim was to go home.

"Unfortunately due to his fragile condition we all understood that this would not be possible.

"However, with the incredible support of everyone in ward 18/19, we turned Room 1 into our home and the family moved in.

"This seemed to do the trick as he never asked to go home again.

"We created a book with dad's life story and he absolutely loved hearing passages from it. The staff showed a real interest in it too.

"They treated my dad as a person, rather than just an old man in hospital.

"Dad was a speech and language lecturer and we were able to bring in his Ipad with his favourite music and poetry.

"During the three weeks dad spent in hospital we saw most things and the professionalism of the staff never wavered; the way they spoke to my dad even when none of us thought he could hear.

"The difference that their kindness made to the last few weeks of my dad’s amazing life is immeasurable.

"We are a family who will be sad and miss our husband, dad, granddad and great granddad every day, but with the outstanding help and care of all the staff in ward 18/19 we all agree, his death matched his life and was the best it could possibly be."

Other award winners included Craig Russell and Mark Devlin who were presented with the award for International Service, for their volunteering work in Nagpur, India, where they provided life changing surgery to children born with a cleft palatte.

Ian Murray, 80, scooped the volunteer award for accumulating 1500 hours of volunteering at Eastwood and Barrhead Leisure Centre

John Brown, Chairman of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: "This is the eighth year of the Chairman’s Awards and once again this year we have had so many fantastic entries across the range of categories.

"It is extremely encouraging, as it showcases the true quality of our workforce and their commitment to delivering the very best in patient care.”

Full list of winners

1. Clinical Practice

This award recognises the importance of staff innovation which helps and improves everyday practices in the workplace and/or approaches to patient care.

WINNER – West Dunbartonshire Blood Borne Virus nurses

Established a nurse led outreach service within addiction and primary care clinics in an effort to improve the numbers of patients accessing anti-viral therapy out with a hospital setting.

2. Improving Health

Commending staff who have a Healthy Working Lives idea or implemented an initiative to improve healthy eating, smoking cessation or improving mental health.

WINNER – More than medicine

The practice nurse and lead pharmacist, concerned about levels of obesity in their patients, undertook a review of their prescribing “activity” for Type 2 diabetes and hypertensive’s.

3. International Service

This award recognises staff who have travelled overseas to provide healthcare to people in a in a war torn or third world country.

WINNER – Craig Russell and Mark Devlin

Mark and Craig volunteer in Nagpur, India to provide life changing surgery to children born with cleft lip, and/or cleft palate.

4. Nursing

This award recognises nurse(s) who demonstrate the best qualities of patient care and the ethos of nursing.

WINNER – Haemophilia Unit, GRI

The team deal with patients who present for treatment several times a week, where critical intervention is required with an unfaltering dedication to patient care and professionalism.

5. Patient Centred Care

For staff from different departments, directorates or services, who are working together in new and co-operative ways to improve the way we deliver services to our patients.

WINNER – Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy team

They have delivered an outstanding world standard service and have overcome early staffing set-backs and still managed to deliver the highest quality service on an impressive scale.

6. Using Resources Better

Specifically for staff who have increased efficiencies in the way they work or deliver services more effectively.

WINNER – Redesign delivery of palliative care service

The team redesigned the delivery of palliative care service through integration of supportive and palliative care approaches into mainstream primary and community care service provision.

7. Volunteer

Recognising members of the public/staff who provide outstanding help and support through volunteering. People who go that extra mile, contributing tirelessly for the benefit of others.

WINNER – Ian Murray

80-year-old Ian is a ‘motivator’ in the Live Active Exercise Referral Scheme and has accumulated more than 1500 hours of volunteering and still volunteers at Eastwood and Barrhead Leisure Centre.

8. Gold Winners

The entries for the nominees below impressed the judges, however, it was felt they didn’t fit into any specific category but were still very much worthy of winning.

Chaplaincy Service

They provide spiritual, caring and pastoral services to patients, staff and visitors. They provide nurturing space for people looking to pay their respects and have time and privacy to reflect.

Jessie McNeill

71-year-old Jessie has always had a strong work ethic. Her attention to detail keeps the brightest nurses and doctors on their toes and her ability to think quickly in assessing potential situations has saved lives.

Liam O’Donnell

Liam was the first in biochemistry to complete the modern apprentice programme. Having continued his studies he is now in a position to complete his registration portfolio and become a fully qualified biomedical scientist.

Louise Colquhoun

Louise has a fantastic nature and skill set. She is passionate and driven and has been integral in setting up the Dementia Cafes and the activity boxes for the care of the elderly wards.