Patrick’s Community Care Unit Story

Since launching in April 2019, more than 5,000 patients and their families in Great Yarmouth and Waveney have been supported by the free specialist palliative care provided by the joint partnership of St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice and East Coast Community Healthcare (ECCH).

Typically living with conditions such as cancer, heart failure, chronic lung diseases – such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – and neurological disorders, these patients have received free care through the partnership’s varied, specialist palliative care provision available at Beccles Hospital, in the community and through the service’s 24-hour advice line, OneCall.

One local resident who receives support from this service is Patrick McCabe, who lives near Great Yarmouth.

“The hospice staff are remarkable, with a brilliant way about them. They understand how to support people from the heart, bringing comfort and care when it’s needed most,” explained Patrick, who has received support at home through St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice’s Community Care Unit service.

“I was diagnosed with cancer in 2023, and underwent a major operation as well as a course of chemotherapy, before it was confirmed the cancer had spread to other parts of my body and was now incurable.

“At this point, I was unaware of the support I had available to me. However, through the help of various different services, including St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice, my wife and I have learnt of the range of support I can access which has made the world of difference.

“The various organisations work together so well – it runs like clockwork. My mother died in a hospice many years ago, and the staff there were like angels and St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice team are no different.

“They are all so dedicated to helping their patients. Without their support I would never have known I was eligible for a Blue Badge, and they helped me through the process of obtaining the badge, which has made a big difference to my quality of life.

“Each member of the team has a real knowledge base and they can help with almost anything you can think of. For instance, the hospice occupational therapy team came to me for a home visit to assess my needs and have provided me with specialist equipment to make my day-to-day living easier.

“This equipment has included, an inflatable cover for my bed mattress for greater support, a Zimmer frame and an additional step for my back door to assist with accessibility.

“They have also helped with advice on strategies to manage fatigue and a physio has visited me to give guidance on aiding my mobility.

“Their support is always dignified and respectful, and I really cannot fault the treatment they have given me. While it is also reassuring to know I have the 24/7 support of their phone line, OneCall, for whenever I need further guidance or immediate help.

“I have been completely overwhelmed by the compassionate care I have received from St Elizabeth East Coast Hospice and the wider healthcare services. In fact, with the level of support provided, at time it has felt like a personal and private service.

“I am eternally grateful to them for their care which has given me the best quality of life possible and helped me navigate what has been a difficult time.”

For more information about the partnership’s services in Great Yarmouth and Waveney visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/how-we-can-help/hospice-care/great-yarmouth_and-waveney.

To learn more about the Community Care Unit service visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/how-we-can-help/hospice-care/community-care-unit/.

To contact the 24-hour specialist palliative care advice line, OneCall, call 0800 567 0111.