This week I went to the Hospice with Bob. He was doing his volunteer work with the chaplaincy, and I was visiting a friend there. There is a new plaque in the entrance.
Opposite the one marking the fact that the Bishop blessed the work at the start of the building, there is now one commemorating the King's visit a week ago. I think the calligraphy is very attractive.
I did not take many pictures - but the new building is lovely, with comfortable, well designed rooms for the patients, as well as quiet rooms and a lounge for families to relax. Next to the chaplaincy is the chapel. It is designed as a multi-faith area, to provide a worship space for all to use. The stained glass window is beautiful. There are peace lilies on the tables - and a memory tree.
The atmosphere is one of peace and calmness. The staff have time for everyone - patients and visitors alike. My friend's wife said "I go home in the evening, knowing he is so well cared for and comfortable here. Nothing is too much trouble"
I am so grateful for the vision of Dame Cicely Saunders, who began the modern day Hospice movement, and for the commitment of all the staff - paid, and volunteers, who work so hard to help families through the hardest times.
It sounds like a caring place, Angela.
ReplyDeleteI think you would find the prayer room particularly lovely Bless
ReplyDeleteThat stained glass window is really glorious.
ReplyDeleteCol's Mum was in the St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich for a while before she died, that is also a lovely caring and quiet place.
They are such special places, and do do much good.
DeleteThey do valuable work.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful stained glass window! Xx
A lovely corner of the chapel to sit and pray or to remember. Deliberately designed not to include any "faith" symbols, so that ALL may be able to spend time here
DeleteA lovely corner of the chapel to sit and pray or to remember. Deliberately designed not to include any "faith" symbols, so that ALL may be able to spend time here
DeleteA beautiful and calm place of care. Catriona
ReplyDeleteYes indeed
DeleteMy very good neighbours are receiving end of life care at home for the husband who was diagnosed with kidney cancer in July. The Macmillan and Marie Curie nurses and our local GP are here on a daily and nightly basis now which gives my neighbour and her son some rest through the night. My best friend was transferred to the hospice for her end of life care and it was reassuring to know she was being so well looked after and in such a special and serene way. I truly believe that all palliative care nurses are angels.
ReplyDeleteThey are very special people. It was lovely to see Maggie's in Dundee when I was on holiday in May. Scotland has done wonderful hospice/palliative care programmes
DeleteWe have two in Cornwall and they do so much more than just hospitalisation. Yesterday I went for a lovely walk with the Bereavement Walk and Talk group, just six of us having a natter in the sunshine whilst strolling. Our hospice also has what is called 'A listening ear', not really a counselling service but just someone on the line to talk to. It's a wonderful service.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you have found such support - the Hospices truly care for all the family, before and after bereavement.
DeleteWhat a wonderful caring environment and the multi-faith chapel is so important too.
ReplyDelete❤️
DeleteThe plaques are wonderful and the pictures show this hospice to be a lovely and much needed place for those who need it and their families.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that Bob can continue his ministry there.
Hugs!
I'm glad Bob is volunteering there, and using his pastoral gifts
DeleteHospice care there seems excellent. It's very good here as well, but mainly focuses on the patient remaining at home with family and a visiting nurse checking in daily. There is no inpatient hospice where I live. That window is lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe Hospice homecare teams here are excellent - but for many families, they have found the Hospice to be a true"home from home ". 24hour support and pain relief for their loved ones - and space for the family to get their own much needed night time rest
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