Eileen’s story

Eileen’s experience

Ninety-year-old Eileen is an ex-volunteer of St. Michael’s Hospice and has recently spent time in our Hospice.

Volunteering from the beginning

After retiring, Eileen, started volunteering for the Hospice in 1992 when it first opened its doors. She volunteered there until 2012, when she switched to volunteering in one of our retail stores for a further 10 years, until the pandemic meant she needed to stop.

Eileen told us, ‘When the Hospice first opened it had 10 beds in cubicles.’

‘People would ask me, ‘Why do you work at the Hospice, it must be sad.’ And I always tell them ‘No, it’s a happy place. It’s one of the happiest places you can work in. There’s nothing but goodwill’’.

Safe and looked after

In December 2022, Eileen fell ill and was diagnosed with a terminal condition. It was arranged for Eileen to come to the Hospice for pain relief and care.

Eileen’s daughter, travelled from Wiltshire to visit, along with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. ‘My daughter wasn’t worried about me being in the Hospice because she knew I was safe and being well looked after.’

As well as friends and family visiting, Eileen also had visits from the Hospice’s Pets as Therapy Dog, Polly. Polly visits the In-patient unit to give much-needed therapy and hugs to patients and their families.

Eileen talked about the staff at the Hospice and the care she received from them, ‘Nothing’s too much trouble and they always come with a smile on their face.’

Going home

Eileen was very ill when she first came into the Hospice, but with the help of staff, she’s now feeling much better and we’ve helped to make arrangements for 24-hour care at home, which means she’s able to go back home.

On the day of her leaving the Hospice, Eileen said, ‘I’ve had a jacuzzi bath this morning with lots of coloured lights, it’s lovely. They’ve washed and blow dried my hair. I’m all washed and ready to go home.’

When asked about her experience, Eileen said, ‘I love the Hospice and I wasn’t a bit worried. I’ve been so happy here.’

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