Moya Cole patient says Strictly night at the hospice is something she will never forget
Alexandra (Alex) Jamieson spent a period of ten days at the hospice for pain management
Alexandra (Alex) Jamieson who spent time with us as an inpatient has said a Strictly Come Dancing watch party in the hospice with her children is something she will “never forget.”
“I really wanted to watch Strictly Come Dancing with my children,” Alex said. “It was starting the weekend I was in hospice. The nurses created a family room for us, where they made a double bed so we could all get into bed and watch it together. They made score paddles; they left sweets and chocolate out for the children.
“It was experiences like that, we will never forget. It was incredible.
“For us as a family, we felt the hospice was a community. I didn’t know a whole lot about hospices. I can now really understand why loved ones continue to support the hospice when someone passes away. It feels like you are a part of a community or a family,” Alex said.
Alex’s daughters, Imogen, aged 8, and Annabel, aged 10 also appreciated the experience of being in Moya Cole Hospice.
The hospice felt like a really safe place and it felt better than just a normal hospital because it feels more like home Imogen, aged 8, Alex's Daughter
Moya Cole Hospice feels very welcoming as soon as you walk through the door. Mum really enjoyed staying there, and we looked forward to coming to visit. All the staff were really kind to us, and it felt more like home instead of a hospital Annabel, aged 10, Alex's Daughter
Alex, who is living with cancer, has been attending the Being You Centre at Moya Cole Hospice for some time. She was admitted to the inpatient unit for pain management for a period of ten days.
Alex says she found it daunting when she was recommended to come into Moya Cole Hospice as an outpatient.
“I was reluctant to access hospice support because I had always associated hospices with end of life,” she said.
“I got used to that but then when they mentioned coming in as an inpatient, I was terrified. I didn’t know what to expect, but I did assume it would be different to a hospital.
According to Alex, she realised very quickly that it was the right decision.
“I felt like the doctors and nurses had a lot more time to talk with me about my symptoms.
It felt a lot less medical at key times, so at night when you’re in hospital, people are still regularly checking your blood pressure and temperature, whereas in the hospice I was able to get an uninterrupted night’s sleep which was very helpful Alex Jamieson, Moya Cole Hospice Patient
“I also had the feeling that nothing was ever too much trouble, whatever you asked for. The nurses were just keen to make you as comfortable as possible. One day, I mentioned how I was missing having a bath, as I have one at home, and it helps with pain. They went above and beyond to get me a bath, and I had one. It was amazing,” she said.
Alex also mentioned that she felt very much in control at Moya Cole Hospice.
“That’s a massive thing for me. Everything felt like it was being done with me, and not to me. The doctors always asked if we should try something and how I felt about it every step of the way. They also asked if I wanted to aim for a day to be home. It felt that I was being heard and that I had a say in my care which is really important for me.”
To learn more about the inpatient services at Moya Cole Hospice, click here.