Claire’s best friend, Debs was like an honorary Auntie to Claire’s two daughters. Debs became poorly in the January and was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in the August. The year after, she was admitted into the hospice inpatient unit when it was discovered that the cancer had spread to her brain.
“The care Debs received was outstanding. Nothing was too much trouble, she could have all her items around her in her room, we could bring in things for her like flowers and food. My daughters drew her some pictures which we put up on the wall. When we visited, staff would help her into a wheelchair so we could take her outside into the beautiful, peaceful woodlands for fresh air and a change of scenery. We were also treated with respect, everyone was very friendly and helpful.”
Both Claire’s daughters were given memory boxes, comfort quilts and teddy bears and as Claire recalls these have become very precious reminders of Debs: “Debs said the bears were a hug from her for whenever they were missing her. For her to be able to give these items to my girls was important as she worried about the effect her death would have on them. They treasure them and sleep with the bears and quilts on their beds, helping them with their grief.”
Claire didn’t live locally to the hospice and recalls how she was able to keep in touch with Debs as much as possible: “Living 70 miles away made me feel a little helpless but I knew Debs was being looked after and cared for to the highest level. I was able to phone at any time and speak to her. On the day she passed, the hospice staff rang me giving me time to make the journey to be with her.”
“I think what stays with me the most is how Debs was treated in her final hours. The respect and care shown just blew me away. Debs was unresponsive that day and the staff came in regularly to move her position and spoke to her with such kindness and respect, something I had just never witnessed before.”
“After Debs’ passing we returned to the hospice a few weeks later and the staff allowed my girls to go and put some painted stones that we had done in the garden. We also purchased one of the forget me not flowers in her memory, for our own garden at home. We will forever be grateful for the outstanding care that Debs received, thank you.”
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