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Everything is better

Julie Warmington spent her 46th birthday at the Hospice, where she had been staying to manage her symptoms of stage 4 stomach cancer. Julie died a week later with her loved ones next to her. 

During her stay at the Hospice, she had spoken on ITV Anglia news about her care and later made the front page of the Daily Gazette supporting St Helena Hospice’s call to Government for better hospice funding. Julie said:

Speech markI wasn't too sure what to expect because when I was told that they really thought they'd have to bring me into the Hospice to get my situation under control, I couldn't help but be a little bit concerned.

But I've learned how much the Hospice team gives. When I got here, it really just took all those fears away because it's such a beautiful place and it's so well run and has the most lovely staff. 

I can't tell you how much this has meant to me. Everyone is so kind. There are people on hand who are supporting me emotionally. It's really amazing and I do really appreciate it.

I feel safe, comfortable, cared for, more than all of those things. Everything is better. 

The level of time that people here spend with you is incredible. My hair is very long and while I try to not to trouble the nurses too much to wash it too many times, I like to feel clean and I don't have the strength these days to do it all myself. I've had at least three showers where the team has taken an hour helping me do that sort of thing. Anywhere else and I'd be faced with having to either not have that shower or really test myself to the point of true exhaustion to have one.  

Image: Julie spent her birthday at St Helena Hospice

I know that the nursing team are only a call button away and I know that they're here with me within a very short amount of time, and so there's so much reassurance that goes on here. 

The nurses are so kind, and they take the time to be kind. I'm sure that's down to the fantastic management of running the place and also the type of people working at the Hospice, because they are exceptional. 

So, I have been over the moon. I'm just very humbled by the fact that little old me could come into the Hospice so quickly when having this overwhelming cloud suddenly loom, and be supported quite so readily.

I don't know whether all hospices are the same, but this one gets my vote, 100%. Speech mark 

Image: patient Julie meets a donkey at St Helena Hospice

Julie meets a donkey visiting at St Helena Hospice

Image: nurse Claire Burton with Julie Warmington at St Helena Hospice

Nurse Claire with Julie at the Hospice

This story may not be published elsewhere without express permission from St Helena Hospice.

 

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