Every year St Elizabeth Hospice delivers free care to over 3,000 patients and their families throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.
Centered on an individual’s needs, the hospice provides specialist support, whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice.
“They are guardian angels, they really are. To me it feels more than a job to them as they are so passionate about what they do, and as a family under their care you really feel this come through,” explains Hayley Warner, whose father Michael Green received support from the hospice, until his death aged 78 in March 2022 from cancer.
“As a family we had always been aware of St Elizabeth Hospice and supported them when we could, such as taking part in their hospice lottery, but through Dad’s experience we really appreciated the difference the hospice makes.
“The hospice was always there in the background if Dad or I needed anything but as he became more and more poorly in February, they become more involved in helping us, with nurses visiting Dad twice a day.
“It was Dad’s wish that he would be cared for at home and without the hospice this would not have been possible and we can never thank them enough for this.
“From the moment we came under the hospice’s care in December 2021, when Martin Russell (Community Nurse Team Leader at the hospice) first visited Dad, the communication the staff gave was brilliant.
“They made conversations which were not easy to have, as easy as they could be. Their compassion, understanding and ability to explain everything clearly, made us feel reassured every step of the way.
“The manner they spoke to Dad, letting him know what they were doing, made him feel at ease and they helped him be in control at all times and have as much independence as possible, right up until the end.
“On the night Dad passed, a lovely nurse came to see Dad and dressed him in his favourite shirt which was so important for our family. Their care always sought to provide that extra support and was very person focused in its approach.
“They also took time to support me and answer any questions I had. The hospice really is a holistic service for both the patient and their family. Joanna Shaw (St Elizabeth Hospice Community Registered Nurse pictured right with Hayley Warner) won’t know the impact she had on us, but the day before Dad died, reality hit that I wouldn’t hear his voice or hear him laugh again, but when Jo walked in to visit us, she gave me a hug and made me feel so supported and not alone.
“After Dad passed, their care continued as I also received counselling from the hospice’s LivingGrief service, which was so important to me.
“We cannot thank the hospice enough for their amazing compassionate care, it really makes a difference during some of life’s toughest times. By supporting the hospice through fundraising activities, such as the hospice lottery, you really are helping a fantastic charity deliver vital care in your local area.”