A stay with us helped Janet with her symptoms
Perhaps one of the main things St Luke’s is known for is the care we provide on our ward; since we opened many years ago we have cared for people around the clock when their illness has begun to take control. However, a stay on our ward is not always the end.
Just before Christmas we cared for a lady called Janet; being independent she was passionate about caring for herself, and managing on her own without relying on her daughter too much. But when she reached crisis point in November, we were able to help.
Symptom control is one of the many ways we can support people at the Hospice. When Janet came to us she was unstable, not eating properly, she was exhausted and her cancer was beginning to take a real hold. So when her daughter contacted the Hospice, neither expected what happened next.
“When I came round and realised I was in the Hospice I was shocked, I don’t really remember how I had got to that stage. But over the past three weeks I have improved every day; the nurses have ensured I am eating well and they have given me the rest I needed.
They have helped my daughter set up a care plan for me, so when I go home this week there are things in place to make sure I am looked after, and now I am feeling better I have the motivation to look after myself. I don’t think people realise what hospices do. It’s not all about death; I am going home in a much better condition than when I came in. I am so thankful to everyone at St Luke’s for helping me to get back on my feet.”
