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Here at Choiceshops, we and our families have had several great experiences with Severn Hospice. They provide excellent care to thousands of people in Shropshire and Mid Wales. In particular, Beth's story is an exceptional reason why anyone should donate to this cause.
"If you watch the news or read about the NHS, especially around winter times, you will have heard the term ‘bed blocking’. This is without a doubt the biggest travesty in the NHS right now and it costs millions, literally millions every year. It is a predicament where a patient no longer requires hospital care but cannot be discharged because there is nowhere deemed safe or prepared for them to return to. I never thought that my family would be classed as ‘Bed Blockers’.
In July 2016, after yet another admission into Telford Princess Royal hospital (they have their issues – but I cannot fault their care) for a suspected infection and potential pneumonia Mum was moved to a dialysis ward; mainly because they didn’t know where else to put her. We had reached a point where she didn’t necessarily need hospital care – infections were managed with antibiotics and her cocktail of chemotherapy, iron and immunity drugs could be administered at home by us.
However, at ‘home by us’ wasn’t quite possible. As three adult children, we all worked full-time jobs, one of us had two children to look after and none of us could logistically or financially work from home. Although we had a social care allocation – two careers a day for half an hour at a time was not enough. We couldn’t afford to pay for private careers, yet the government system didn’t deem Mum ill enough to require further care – ironic as at this point she was literally starting to die. Our only option was somewhere that wasn’t home.
The idea of a residential or nursing home was suggested. I do feel for the nurse that suggested it, because in no uncertain terms I informed her that, at age just 56, there was no way in hell my mother was going into a residential home. Then we had a crisis meeting with a representative from Severn Hospice.
Short-term respite care was how they sold it to us. A short stay while we waited for social care to be provisioned. They were very tactful to never use the words palliative or end of life care – because I think they could sense that would truly tip us all over the edge.
Severn Hospice sounded like a dream; Telford or Shrewsbury, no more paying for parking, no restricted hours, gardens to walk in, the dog could even visit! Very soon after this visit, Mum was allocated a place – unfortunately only Shrewsbury had space, quite a drive for all of us, but it was worth it so see Mum in a better environment.
The hospice handled all the hospital transfers, all we had to do was bring some extra clothes or any personal belongings for the room. This was just a pit stop – we would get home eventually – we just needed help, home was the goal.
Oh, the hospice was a dream I promise you. Mum had a private room with a bathroom, garden views, a tv (even though she lost the remote). We could visit at any hours – they just asked you to call ahead if it was going to be late at night. No more restrictions to two-hour visits. We were able to take Mum outside in a wheelchair to look at the plants – at this point, her mobility was greatly reduced as she has lost a lot of strength in her legs.
The staff from the doctors and nurses to the volunteers that made Mum cups of tea just how she liked, where all amazing. During what is fundamentally the hardest time of your life, a smile and a cuppa goes a hell of a long way. As the days at Severn Hospice continued, we were called in by a Doctor several times. After the first week, it had gone from Mum having months left, to weeks and eventually days and hours to live. We were told they didn’t expect her to make it another week given the rapid deterioration of her condition.
The Hospice became my home. Everyone knew my name. I was there every day after work until late. I ate there, got changed from work there, watched TV (we had found the remote).
The final weekend of Mum’s life, I slept there. The family room was already taken, but that was fine, I couldn’t bring myself to leave the room anyway. On the Friday night, I slept in a chair next to the bed. The nurses bought me blankets and cushions, offered me dinner – I couldn’t eat as I was for the very first time, painfully aware that this was the end.
The nurses all told me to go home – go home and shower, get some sleep, eat. They would call any of us if there was a change of condition.
When the call came we weren’t ready. I don’t think anyone can ever be ready. But once again Severn Hospice showed the utmost compassion, care, love and diligence in their care.
They handled the arrangement of the funeral directors arrival tactfully. We could stay in the room as long as we wanted. There was no rush to gather belonging they would do it for us.
Those few weeks were undeniably the hardest times I have ever had to endure, but I cannot comprehend how much worse it could have been without the support of Severn Hospice Shrewsbury.
Now, all of this care we received was completely free – for us yes, for them no.
They have no NHS or government funding, they rely completely on donations from events and individuals as well as a large contingency of volunteers and charity shops. It costs £30 for one hour of care on a ward, that's £720 for one day or £5040 over a week!
Coming along to our quiz night is probably one of the easiest ways to help support this amazing cause. Money raised on the night will go towards continuing the fantastic work they do, day in, day out.
Please help us raise some much-needed cash by coming along to the Allscott Bowling Club from 7pm on Friday 31st August.
