Jean Irving - Patient Relative

“In the final stages of life, a lot of people prefer to be at home but my husband, being an extremely intelligent person, knew that when the time was right and he needed 24/7 care he would prefer to be entering Hospice itself.”

“With my husband’s passing, I saw both sides of Hospice, firstly at home and eventually inside Hospice itself.

Our Hospice story started quite by accident and perhaps with a sixth sense from my husband who insisted when our Son came across to visit in the Spring of 2020 that he would like to be taken up to Hospice to have a look around and so just on the off chance they did that and I can remember our son saying to me that if Dad ever needed end of life care, he would have no hesitation in wanting him to go into Hospice.  He was very impressed with the whole concept and the beautiful garden that the patients’ rooms overlook.

Fast forward to February, 2022 when my husband and I had the shock news that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and that it was inoperable.  From the time of diagnosis to death was unfortunately very swift, lasting only 12 weeks.

We were introduced to a Hospice nurse from the Oncology Department at Nobles and from that moment my husband felt relieved with every visit the nurse made as she was so helpful and complied with all his needs so he never felt as though he was in an uphill battle. He was a very social person and therefore enjoyed looking forward to her visits and suggestions on any aspects which would help his well-being.

In the final stages of life, a lot of people prefer to be at home but my husband, being an extremely intelligent person, knew that when the time was right and he needed 24/7 care he would prefer to be entering Hospice itself. This eventually transpired and so we entered Hospice on a Bank Holiday Monday in May 2022 to a team of 4 nurses and a doctor. I left the building after he had settled in and felt relieved that he was being well looked after.

I then visited him for about an hour every morning and afternoon but I need not have as I knew he was being monitored and looked after to the very best standard possible. At this point every individual will treat the situation in their own way but I preferred to see him and towards the end my Daughter also came across and visited him for his final few days.

He passed away peacefully on the 16th May, 2022 and I would personally recommend Hospice to anyone who needs end of life care. I also take this opportunity on their 40th Anniversary to thank the whole team for all their hard work and dedication and caring nature not just for my husband but also for myself, who they considered to be just as important under difficult circumstances.”