John Kirkham with his wife Pam, a patient at St Raphael's.
There is a common belief that a hospice is just a place where people go to and then die. But after having had their pain and symptoms relieved, patients often then return home for a further period of time.
| John and Pam's Story |
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Hospice care
During their stay, patients will receive treatment (known as palliative care) to help relieve pain and other symptoms causing discomfort. They will also receive a great deal of care and skilled attention from trained medical, nursing and support staff. Our patients' ages range from young adults to the very elderly.
Most of our patients have advanced cancer - but we do also take patients with a wide variety of illnesses where hospice expertise can make a difference, including HIV/AIDS and certain neurological conditions. Respite and day care is offered to patients with Motor Neurone Disease.
A hospice cannot extend life, but we can certainly improve the quality of life for each patient so that each day can be lived to the full.
The hospice is there to help, not to intrude. The closeness of family and friends during terminal illness is more important than anything else. St Raphael's fully recognises and respects cultural, ethnic and religious differences. Great care is taken to ensure that these priorities are never forgotten.
The other concern of a hospice is the relative or carer who will be left behind. The loss of a loved one is very painful, and there can be practical problems. Bereavement experts are on hand to give their support if required. It is all part of the service.
All this is provided at no cost to patients, be they young or old, rich or poor, whatever faith or none. Hospices add quality and dignity to the lives of those who visit, ensuring that, if required, the remainder of the journey is not undertaken alone.
