In Tammy’s words, “St John’s isn’t as I expected, not what I worried about, instead coming here is one of the best decisions I’ve made.
“After time in hospital and time at home spent really struggling with my pain and medication, I needed St John’s help. I panicked at first when I heard the ‘hospice’ word but once I was reassured by St John’s and my husband that I could go back home, I agreed to stay at the hospice for a while.
“The support I’m getting is amazing, I know exactly what is happening. I’m not frightened and feel it’s the first time I have been really and properly listened to in years.”
Tammy and her husband, Graham
“The big difference is being treated and respected as a person rather than feeling like a medical case on a conveyor belt. The staff take time to explain things properly, they remember what I tell them: they’re interested in me, my family and what they can do to help. They read my notes properly, they come back when they say they will and if I need to be alone they respect that too. Nothing is pushed at me, I can be independent, keep to my preferred routine and be cared for with dignity.
“St John’s are flexible too – eating is very difficult for me yet they have found things I can eat by adapting foods. They remembered cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches were my favourite and made them for me – all wrapped up nicely for when I woke up in the late hours after a treatment. Everyone is nurturing, so friendly and they know their stuff too – the pain has really reduced – I can actually sleep in a bed now.
“I know they are doing everything they can to make it possible for me to go home again. I want to make the best of my remaining time: I have a 60th birthday to enjoy and I’d love a family Christmas too.”
Tammy with one of her nurses, Sophie
Graham, Tammy’s husband has his thoughts about St John’s too;
“When they said Tammy should go to St John’s I knew she’d be in a good place. I’d done my homework and a friend of mine had said it was a wonderful place. There’s a positive, ‘can do’ attitude here. It feels very different from a hospital. It’s not regimented here, it’s like a home from home.
“Somehow you feel as if you have known the staff for a long time, even when someone’s had a few days off, they still remember what Tammy needs. To feel this confident in the nurses, doctors, hospitality staff, cleaners – everyone, it’s such a relief.
“They listen, I know Tammy’s already said that and it makes a big difference. We’ve all been in in the situation where you don’t feel listened to or taken seriously, it’s awful and can make you feel even worse. Not everyone could do the job they do and we are grateful for St John’s and for all those who give to this charity to help people like Tammy.”
Tammy’s colourful hair brightened up everyone’s day while she was here on our ward, and she wanted to share her story to encourage everyone to be colourful!
