Alex's Story

“I felt a sense of calmness and was hugely reassured and comforted by the team, and by the superb level of care they gave her. Above all, they seemed to have so much time to help mum.

Our main point of contact at Hospice was initially the doctor. Her calm, kind and decisive approach was a huge comfort to my mother and to the rest of the family. As mum’s condition and symptoms changed rapidly, the doctor was always available, ready to listen, to adapt the treatment plan accordingly, and when necessary, to do all this very quickly. She always took the time to ask questions and to really listen to the answers. Mum spent a week as an In Patient at Hospice where the staff and volunteers we met there were - without exception - kind, helpful, and knowledgeable.

When mum decided that her preference was to go home and to remain at home for the duration of her illness, we were introduced to our Hospice Community Nurse who quickly became an absolutely vital part of mum’s care.

There were times, particularly towards the end, when my brother and I felt overwhelmed by mum’s illness and genuinely concerned that we couldn’t provide her with the care at home that she needed. Our nurse's reassurance, expertise and daily “summaries” were particularly vital at this time. We, as a family, cannot thank her enough for her help and for literally carrying us through those last weeks of mum’s life.

We are heartbroken to have lost her but comforted that we were able to fulfil her wish to die at home. It was not easy, but all the team at the Hospice made it possible. We are so very grateful to them all.”