Many people think a hospice is a place where people come to die, but that is not the case for hospice patient Angela Welsh.
Angela was first diagnosed with lung and spinal cancer following a trip to Glasgow Royal Infirmary’s A&E in October last year. Thinking she was having a heart attack, the terminal diagnosis came completely out of the blue.
Seventy-two-year-old Angela from Partick, said: “I didn’t want treatment or chemotherapy. I decided I wanted to try and live my life without side-effects.
“I visited my GP to discuss what my options were and asked about hospice care. I was aware of hospices, and I decided this was the way I wanted to go. I went along to The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice as an outpatient and was shown round and everything was explained to me. I felt completely reassured and supported from that day.”
Since Angela’s diagnosis in October, her health took a turn for the worst and in March she was admitted to the hospice Inpatient Unit.
“I was very ill when I first came in,” says Angela. “But during my time here it has been just so special. It’s not about death and gloom. I have felt heard and seen and there have been so many beautiful moments. All my questions have been answered and I feel so safe. I am not terrified to die, I know it will happen, but I am in the best place with so much support from the doctors and nursing staff that I am not afraid.”
The care Angela has been receiving has made such a difference that there is now the possibility of Angela returning home with a care package in place to allow her to experience special moments with her family of a daughter, grandson and great grandson.
She adds: “My family were unsure about me coming into the hospice, but they have seen the incredible care first-hand and have been able to spend as much time here with me as they wished.
“I cannot praise the hospice and the staff high enough. They see the person not the diagnosis which makes such a difference. I’ve never experienced a place like it, it is truly unique.”
Pauline McIntyre, Director of Clinical Services, said: “We are so grateful to Angela for telling her story to try to reduce the fear that others may have about hospice care. We aim to care for each of our patients as individuals with their own hopes and dreams and are committed to providing person-centered care when and where our patients need it.”
The hospice cares for 1200 patients and their families every year, both from the hospice in Bellahouston Park and in people’s own homes through the community nursing service.
Find out more about the hospice by visiting www.ppwh.org.uk
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