"Making him comfortable was a priority"

My family had a lovely experience with the Hospice last week. 

We waited on a family ambulance to take our loved family member to the hospice, where he was going for end of life care for agitation and pain management. The ANP phoned before we arrived to reassure us they were doing all they could to get ambulance to us as soon as possible as they could sense our worry.

When we arrived, the positivity and happiness of the hospice was immediately apparent. As soon as he was in his bed - a care assistant “Ashleigh” had got him an ice cream and some juice and was chatting to him, putting us all at ease. Ashleigh became a big part of Papas journey in the hospice and looked after all our family, nothing was ever a bother. Constantly reassuring him that she wanted to help and that nothing was a bother. In the later days, Ashleigh even done his mouth care with his favourite beer whilst playing his favourite music, touches we will never forget.

The doctor on shift (27th March), stayed to meet him (we later found out her shift had finished and she wanted to wait on him arriving to ensure he had everything). This doctor was amazing, she explained everything perfectly, she was realistic with us whilst showing compassion. 

The nurse that was on Gillian, spent a lot of time with the family. Getting to know the person he was prior to arriving at the hospice which reassured us the care he was getting was specifically for his needs. She brought happiness to us to a time that could have been sad. Gillian had so much time and empathy.

Jan on the night shifts was amazing. I seen how busy she was, but she did not let that stop the care she gave. As soon as he showed any pain or agitation, she offered reassurance and got him medications when needed. 

Sophie was dayshifts during his stay and cared for the family and him with compassion. Making him comfortable was a priority and again, nothing was ever a bother. We felt comfortable asking for support when needed and knew he was looked after well. Sophie explained everything to us and always offering drinks, toast etc.

The family would also like to say a special thanks to Liz - who spent so much time getting him  washed and shaved, the way he would like to. She didn’t rush anything and ensured he was treated with such dignity. He was a proud man who liked his hair perfect and clean shaved - Liz knew this and went above and beyond.

Each member of staff we came across during his stay (from Wednesday to Sunday) were a credit to The Hospice and all deserve recognition. I have never came across a place like it, each member of staff seemed to love their job, be busy but never “too busy” to do anything to help, and brought such positivity.

We were worried the hospice would feel like a hospital due to the temporary location - this was never the case. We described the hospice to him as a “hotel that no pain was allowed” and each member of staff made this a reality.