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Care Opinion

Such a lovely place

Posted By Proud son

"Such a lovely place"

About: Strathcarron Hospice / In-Patient Unit

(as a relative),

My dad first got cancer in 2012. My mum passed away in 2006 so my dad and I grew even closer together. We were real pals and I could tell him everything. I always thought he was a bit indestructible but I’m sure more boys think that of their dad.

He battled cancer for a few years and got on with life reasonably well considering what some other cancer patients went through. We did things together like days to the races, going to play snooker and we went abroad on holiday a couple of times.

Unfortunately whilst my dad had cancer my partner had a few miscarriages. He helped us through that but I know he was hurting. He got on really well with my partner. He was in and out of hospital and we were getting married. My dad made the wedding. He was wearing a kilt and had a great day up dancing and the photos and memories of the day will never be taken away and will be with us forever. The night of the wedding my wife and I went to Spain for 4 nights. My sister came to stay with my dad for a few nights whilst I was away. When we landed in Spain I had a message from my sister to say my dad was back in the hospital.

We went to see him and there were good and bad days. After about a week we were told my dad was going into the hospice.

I’ve always heard of the hospice but to be honest as I hadn’t any experience of cancer I really didn’t know too much of it. When we first went it was such a lovely place. Everyone was so nice from the nurses to the wee ladies at the front desk. The scenery was really nice and had everything you needed. Thinking back I can’t remember how many nights my dad stayed in the hospice before he passed away. He passed away in his bed.

I suppose I’m glad it happened the way it did with me holding his hand and his closest family around his bed. I can’t thank the hospice enough for there help and support. Although it can seem as a sad place it really isn’t and that's due to the staff who work there. Thank you so much x

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Responses

Response from Lesley Whitelaw, Senior Nurse, Patient Services, Strathcarron Hospice 5 years ago
Lesley Whitelaw
Senior Nurse, Patient Services,
Strathcarron Hospice

Submitted on 06/09/2018 at 17:31
Published on Care Opinion on 07/09/2018 at 09:01

picture of Lesley Whitelaw

Hello

First of all, please accept our condolences to you and your family following the death of your dear dad and we are so sorry for the huge loss am sure his passing has made on your lives.

Secondly, thank you for posting such a descriptive story which is so heart-felt when reading it. Your relationship with your dad certainly sounds close and very special - we can only imagine how right it must have been for you all to be sharing his last moments around his bed in the Hospice and for you to be able to hold his hand. What comfort for him I hope, that you were all there and what comfort this seems to have been for you as you reflect on that special time.

Your story is so important to us to help us know that we provided the right care to you all and in the way that you needed it. It is also important to other people – future patients and relatives who are anxious about coming into the Hospice, to read your story and know that the environment and the staff can create a positive experience during an often very difficult time. This in turn, may help them feel less anxious about ‘coming in for a period of stay’ and encourage them to accept an admission if this has been suggested or offered.

Thank you again for taking the time to post your story. I know that it will help others and we are grateful to you for the positive feedback about our care.

Kind regards

Lesley

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Update posted by Proud son (a relative)

Thanks so much for your kind reply. What I meant to write in my story was my wife ended up giving birth to a little boy the year after my dad passed away which was obviously fantastic. My dad would have loved the weeman. My son shares his grandads middle name. My dad would have liked that but just one of those things. Thanks again

Response from Lesley Whitelaw, Senior Nurse, Patient Services, Strathcarron Hospice 5 years ago
Lesley Whitelaw
Senior Nurse, Patient Services,
Strathcarron Hospice

Submitted on 10/09/2018 at 11:52
Published on Care Opinion at 14:38

picture of Lesley Whitelaw

Good morning

What a lovely second post for us to receive from you! When reading your first story, I had for sure wondered if you and your wife had been successful in growing your family so it's wonderful to learn that you did!

Congratulations to you both and thank you so much for sharing that extra part to your story. Having his granddad's name as a middle name am sure will make your son feel very proud when he's old enough to appreciate the significance of that life long gift.

Thank you for letting us know and enjoy parenthood:)

Lesley

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