“The care from the St Elizabeth Hospice staff was always amazing, nothing was ever too much trouble. I especially remember how the nurses would come into Dad’s room and, although he was sleeping, they talked to him all the time and treated him with such respect and dignity,” explained Julie Robinson, whose dad, Jack Robinson, received support from St Elizabeth Hospice until his death from cancer in 2016.
Annually, St Elizabeth Hospice cares for more than 4,000 patients and their families throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney. This care sees the independent Suffolk charity providing free services – whenever and wherever it is needed, whether at home, in the community or at the hospice – to those living with a progressive or life-limiting illness.
“Dad lived in Felixstowe, but he was a true northerner and he loved Manchester United football club,” explained Julie.
“He loved meeting people, talking to them and helping in any way he could. He was a big sports fan too, and was particularly passionate about golf and snooker; in fact he was manager at Felixstowe snooker club for over 20 years, until retiring aged 80-years-old.
“Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2013. For a couple of years, his cancer was kept at bay with injections and medication. However, by 2016, his cancer had spread and he had an operation in June 2016.
“It was after the operation that he began visiting St Elizabeth Hospice for day care support and, although he was initially reluctant, he enjoyed his days there and felt reassured under their care.
“Dad’s condition began to deteriorate and his GP spoke with the St Elizabeth Hospice team and they arranged for nurses to visit him at home. Dad enjoyed these visits and he would always have a good giggle with them as they provided support to make him as comfortable as possible.
“It was Dad’s wish to die at the hospice rather than at home, as he lived with us. It was arranged for Dad to come into the Inpatient Unit at the hospice, where he was quickly peaceful under their care.
“Our family and friends were able to come and see him to say their goodbyes and three days later he died peacefully with his family around him.
“I cannot praise the hospice enough for the care and empathy they showed Dad and my whole family. Even since Dad’s death the hospice has continued to support us and we receive yearly cards on the anniversary of his death – which is a very kind gesture.
“This was our first experience of hospice care, but it was so different to what I had imagined. The hospice is just a bright and warm place to be, full of calm, with a lovely garden and fantastic staff throughout the charity, who provide support when care really matters most.”