Published: 17/02/2022

Caring for those who cared - Dr D Walters

Dr D Walters or ‘Dr Duncan’, as he was fondly referred to at Right at Home Portsmouth, was a pillar and pioneer in the local community for his unrelenting commitment to the national health service. Right at Home Portsmouth were both privileged and honoured to provide care for Dr Walters in the latter years of his admirable life before he sadly passed away in July of 2021.

 

Rowan’s hospice

Part of Dr Duncan’s legacy lies in his renowned work as chairman of Rowan’s Hospice and his contribution to its success, which is widely recognised as one of the best hospices in the county. The hospice is completely run through charitable donations, supporting adults in community who have a life-limiting illness for free.

You can read more about his work here, in a tribute in the Portsmouth News

The Right at Home Office Team and our Carers had great affinity with Dr Duncan in that all of us shared the same caring spirit and desire to give back to the local community, particularly the most vulnerable in society.

A testimonial

Dr Duncan’s daughter, Debbie, kindly wrote this wonderful testimonial for our delivery of care:

"My lovely dad devoted most of his life looking after others, mentally, physically and emotionally. He was always there, a huge presence. When he needed care we were there, I was there but ultimately it wasn’t enough so my search for the next best thing started. During lock down I was fortunate enough to meet someone who worked for Right at Home whilst out walking my dogs. Her enthusiasm and professionalism were inspiring and infectious. I also have a friend who had worked for R@H. I would trust my life with her, her mantra is ‘deliver unto others as you would wish for yours.’ That was good enough for me! My dad deserved the very best and Right at Home met my exacting and discerning standards. When I met the Care Manager I wasn’t disappointed. My one in a million dad was always going to be accommodating. He was so happy I’d have help and he was over the moon my mum approved- a tough one. Personally, I was very impressed with the ‘no stranger’ policy R@H have adopted. It’s rare in the Community to know for sure who is visiting, delivering care and their arrival time. The Care Manager kindly offered to visit, in her own time, when I bathed my dad to learn ‘the ropes’ - another first in my experience. So reassuring, comforting and professional. I knew my dad was in the safest, kindest, trustworthy and caring hands possible. If he was happy, I was happy. If I was happy, my family was happy. R@H were very accommodating as more care was requested. Documentation was thorough and informative; the carers were observant promptly reporting concerns to my mum and myself. My dad so enjoyed his time with his carers, Covid meant he couldn’t see his friends, challenging times for so many. One constant was the unstinting support from R@H. It’s impossible to put into words the relief I felt knowing he was receiving the best care possible. If I have regrets, it’s that I was not able to introduce my lovely dad to R@H much sooner and more poignantly that he’s not still here to enjoy their TLC. My legend of a dad was the best, just as you lovely people at R@H are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. "

Debbie Morgan | Dr Duncan's Daughter
Read other homecare.co.uk reviews

Person-centred care – knowing our clients' stories.

At Right at Home Portsmouth, knowing our clients' stories and understanding them at a personal level is key to our high level of support. Being person-centred deeply aligns with our ethos, an ethos that Dr Duncan most certainly shared.  He is dearly missed.