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My dad

Posted By higglet06

"My dad"

About: St Andrew's Hospice (Lanarkshire)

(as a relative),

Unfortunately, my dad had been diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma and a year later had been made palliative. My dad’s condition deteriorated significantly after this and the requirements in his care needs were increasing. 

After a short admission in hospital, my dad was transferred to St Andrews Hospice. As a family, we were devastated, scared and heartbroken over what this would mean. We felt on edge and wanted my dad to come home.

From the minute we arrived at the hospice, every member of staff made us feel welcomed and we felt like the world had been lifted off our shoulders. The compassion, care and kindness they gave to not only my dad but myself, my mum and sister was incredible. They went above and beyond, nothing was ever too big or small for them. From having fish supper Fridays, to having movie nights whilst my dad remained comfortable in bed, to assisting in creating a family hand mould for us.

The last 6 weeks of my dads life, although distressing and upsetting, were truly some of the best times we had together and this was all down to the amazing staff. 

Since my dad’s passing, upon reflection, we made the right decision in bringing him to the hospice. The nursing staff had him laughing like he had never laughed before and constantly had him smiling from ear to ear, which as a family, we hadn’t seen in a long time. They showed him respect and kept his dignity. They made his last few weeks of life better and for that, we are eternally grateful. 

There are no amount of words to express our greatest gratitude and appreciation to all in St Andrews Hospice. We owe everything to them - they really are god's working angels. We felt safe, comfortable and made to feel as if we were a part of their family.

St Andrews Hospice will forever have a special place in my family's hearts. 
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Responses

Response from Margaret Wilkie, Deputy Chief Executive/Head of Clinical Services, St Andrew's Hospice 6 days ago
Margaret Wilkie
Deputy Chief Executive/Head of Clinical Services,
St Andrew's Hospice

Submitted on 13/11/2025 at 17:30
Published on Care Opinion at 17:30

picture of Margaret Wilkie

Dear higglet06,

I am sure that your Dad's diagnosis was devastating for all of you and it sounds as if it the following year was very difficult. Then to hear that his condition was palliative must have been the most awful news for all of you. I am so sorry to hear that you have been through so much and that your Dad has now died. You must all miss him greatly.

I am deeply touched that in the midst of everything, that you have taken time to share some of your story. It is so brave of you to decide to write your story and to feedback such wonderful comments about St Andrew's Hospice. People often feel scared and heartbroken when a Hospice is mentioned. The latter is so understandable because it sometimes means that the person you love is deteriorating and that is sad. However, as you say, once people get here they change their minds. By sharing your experience others will be reassured that they do not need to be scared. I love your expression about the world being lifted off of your shoulders and that your Dad and your Mum plus you and your sister felt compassion, care and kindness from the time you arrived here at the Hospice.

It is very important to our staff that alongside providing the highest standards of care that we are here to support the patient and also their family. Our staff will be so delighted to hear your comments. We also try to support families to create special memories. It sounds like you have plenty of those. I also love to hear that your Dad and you as a family shared some laughter even though it was a distressing time. Simple things like the fish supper and movie nights you mention can make a real difference to how a person feels and can be shared with others that we care about and love even when very unwell. I am gad that you liked your hand mould. We have just recently started doing these for patients and families and they mean a lot to families. Any other suggestions that you might have for other things that we could do are always welcomed.

I understand that the 6 weeks here were distressing and upsetting but also some of the best times that you had in a long time. I am sure that you will treasure this and know that it was the right decision for your Dad and for you as a family to come to St Andrew's Hospice.

High standards of care and support are everything to us. I am pleased that your Dad received excellent care and that he was treated with the respect and dignity that he deserved and that you as a family felt safe and comfortable here.

We are still here for you so if you have any further comments or if you need support please let us know,

Warmest regards,

Margaret

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