Theme: Our care and services

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. 

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. 

“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. 

Being You Centre patient at Moya Cole Hospice, Peter Goode has credited the hospice with helping him achieve some of his goals. 

Peter has Parkinson’s disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and prior to diagnosis was an avid musician playing instruments such as the guitar, fiddle, and mandolin. He is also an avid singer. 

“I used to be out nearly every night of the week,” Peter said. “Playing guitar, and singing in pubs which I haven’t been able to do for some time. 

Peter attended the Breathing Space course at the Being You Centre and found it helpful. He also attended a social course called the Being Together Group and also found this helped him. 

“At first I was very apprehensive about going to the social group but as it turned out I really enjoyed it. Chatting with people helps.” 

Peter is now in the process of learning new songs to play and sing. 

It was the last session that Peter attended at Moya Cole Hospice that was most significant which involved music and singing. He had not picked up a musical instrument in some time and had not felt able to sing but he played the guitar and sang along with the volunteer leading the session.  

A staff member at Moya Cole Hospice said it was “so lovely to witness. It was a powerful moment of connection and self-expression, showing how music can bring so much joy,” they said. 

Peter hopes to continue playing his instruments and singing while being able to adapt to his condition. 

Today we officially become Moya Cole Hospice and step into a new era for our hospice. 

This change honours our inspirational founder and the work of hospice pioneers. We officially announced in July our intentions to change from St Ann’s Hospice to Moya Cole Hospice and today is the day of the official change. 

It is an exciting time for the hospice as we near the completion of our brand new state-of-the-art facility in Heald Green, and this is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we do so knowing that for some, this has been difficult news. 

For us to continue to serve and care for those impacted by life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones long into the future, we must ensure that we are reflective of the wonderful and diverse community that surrounds us and that we remain culturally relevant in our modern world. 

Although a change has been in discussion for many years, making the change at this point in our journey, as we open a new site in Heald Green, and with plans to refurbish Little Hulton in the near future, means we have reduced the cost involved to a minimal amount.  

Chaplaincy Support Coordinator at Moya Cole Hospice, Peter O’Brien commented.

“Our state-of-the-art hospice will be a safe environment where we’ll take into our protection a person’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing,” he said. 

Chief Executive of Moya Cole Hospice, Rachel McMillan also commented. 

“Our name is changing, but I want to reassure you that our commitment to providing outstanding care remains the same. The way we are governed and managed is not changing and our incredible staff will continue their dedicated and compassionate work.  

If you are a regular donor, have left a gift in your will or play our lottery you don’t need to take any action. Our charity number and trading company number will stay the same, so you don’t need to do anything. You will notice that from October the name of the payee on your bank statement will change to Moya Cole Hospice. 

You can read more, as well as a list of frequently asked questions at moyacole.org.uk/moyacolehospice 

If you have any other questions you can also email hospicename@sah.org.uk 

For information about how we will continue to process your personal data, please see our privacy notice here: moyacole.org.uk/privacy-policy/. If your details have changed and need updating, please let us know so we can update our records. 

The St Ann’s Hospice Rehabilitation Team were “highly commended” at the 2025 Palliative and End of Life Care awards. 

The awards ceremony was held at the Hilton Bankside Hotel in London on June 27th and was attended by members of the St Ann’s team. 

The Rehab Team came second in the Hospice Team Award category. 

The team were honoured as they embody excellence in palliative care, demonstrating outstanding teamwork and a transformative approach to supporting individuals facing life-limiting illness. 

Through the implementation of rehabilitative palliative care, the Rehab Team have empowered patients to set and achieve realistic goals, improving their overall quality of life and fostering independence even in the final stages of life. 

Rehab Team Leader, Frances Brown commented. 

“Our Rehabilitation Team collaborates seamlessly with acute and community colleagues, ensuring a holistic and patient-centered approach for the palliative population in our caseload. By embedding a rehabilitative approach across the organisation, we have nurtured a culture that prioritises patient autonomy and well-being, ensuring that as a wider MDT we focus on “what matters” for each individual,” she said.

Director of Clinical Services at St Ann’s Hospice, Emma Dixon commended the Rehab Team. 

“We are so privileged to have our Rehab Team here at St Ann’s. They work tirelessly to ensure that our patients maintain a good quality of life even in their final days. Every Rehab Team member from our Occupational Therapists, our Advanced Clinical Practioners, to our Lymphoedema Team can take great honour in this wonderful achievement,” Emma said.