Cecil’s Story
We sat down with Cecil, a patient on our Lourdes ward known for his positivity and kindness, to chat about how his 5-week stay at St Joseph’s has been a real eye opener and changed everything he thought he knew about Hospices.
When Cecil first thought about coming to St Joseph’s Hospice, he admits he was apprehensive.
“I thought that it was a one-way door, you would go in and you wouldn’t come out” he said.
Now, after over 5 weeks in our Lourdes Ward, Cecil is preparing to head home with a brand-new perspective on Hospice care.
“But it’s not that. It’s about helping you to get better, as best you can and then going home with help in the community”.
Cecil has been overwhelmed by the care he’s been able to receive here at St Joseph’s, from help with his medication and his diet, to preparing him to have everything he needs to be cared for in the community.
“It’s been so eye-opening to come here to the Hospice and be cared for, I’ve never had care as good as this. Anywhere, ever. The staff – they’ve been amazing.
And it’s not a place where you come to die, it’s a place where you come to live. To get a better quality of life.”
And it’s not just Cecil’s perspective on Hospice care that has been changed. When he first told his family he would be coming to stay at St Joseph’s, they were worried and upset, as many families are at first.
“They were just thinking the worst. But since they’ve been up and seen me, we’ve made videos of me singing with my sister, because she sings for a living. They’ve not had that perception anymore…It’s taught my family and my friends that have come up a lesson of what a Hospice is about.”
Throughout his stay, Cecil’s positivity and outlook on life has been celebrated by staff. His bedroom has become a hub of joy and music. As Cecil refers to it, his ‘disco room’ draws in doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other patients for a sing along and a dance.
Far from his initial fears about being in a Hospice, Cecil has built connections with patients and staff across the ward and brought music, movement and meaning to his time at St Joseph’s.
Inpatient Wards
We currently have two wards, Lourdes and St Michael’s, which have 17 beds each. If you would like to find out more about our Inpatient Wards, visit the link below.
Inpatient Wards » St. Joseph’s Hospice
Most of our patients are referred to us by a healthcare professional. Alternatively, you can refer yourself by calling the First Contact Team on 0300 30 30 400 or email stjosephs.firstcontact@nhs.net.
