"Special people who were so professional and empathetic"

My brother very bravely fought his illnesses (Parkinson’s Disease and terminal lung & liver cancer). Eventually it was impossible for my brother to live on his own as his breathing was so difficult he could virtually do nothing for himself. Despite our best attempts to care for him at home, it was apparent that more help was needed. After assessment by the family doctor it was agreed by everyone that the best option would be to make a referral to St Andrew’s Hospice. The very next day I received a call to say a bed was available for him. The aim was to try and improve his breathing and meditation and that he should be admitted for a few days. 

To say that my brother and I were both relieved is a huge understatement! He was exhausted coping at home and likewise I was running on air! He immediately relaxed knowing he would have help at hand 24 hours a day. For myself I could go back to being his sister and not his nurse/carer.

My brother thrived for a few days and appreciated all aspects of his care - he adored all the doctors and nursing staff and also the wonderful food he enjoyed every day. 

Every single member of the Hospice team that we encountered were special people who were so professional and empathetic to both my brother's and our family's needs.

However, we all knew that my brother's illness was terminal. After a few days it became obvious he would not be able to return home and he was so accepting of the fact that he would die in the Hospice, indeed  it was his wish that he would. If he had been a millionaire he could not have received any better care than that supplied within St Andrew’s Hospice. 

During his last few days our family were also given exceptional care. We can never repay or thank them for their kindness to us. From reception staff to the nursing and medical staff we were treated in a gentle and compassionate manner. Nothing was too much for them and indeed they went above beyond anything we could possibly have imagined. 

For example on the evening of what we all new would be my brother's last, my husband and I were concerned for the welfare of our 1-year-old Golden Retriever. Rather than leave her too long on her own we decided to bring down to the Hospice but to leave her in the car. The plan being that we would regularly check on her, take her out short walks and give her water. My husband asked a nurse if we could have a container to hold some water for our dog, he explained where she was. He was immediately told to bring her in! I couldn’t believe such thoughtfulness. Our dog was brought in, she  sat on the floor at the side of my brother's bed and lovingly and sadly looked up to him as if saying goodbye. She then lay on a blanket staff had brought in for her and remained there until my brother passed.

The comfort that everyone in the room got from our dog's presence was immense . 

On behalf of all my brother's family, may I  sincerely pass on our gratitude to each and every one of St Andrews Hospice Team. God bless you all x