When Bill first came to stay at our Inpatient Unit (IPU) at Michael Sobell House he was struggling with breathlessness and felt very unwell.
Having had a heart attack and struggling with respiratory symptoms, he and his daughter were preparing themselves for his end-of-life journey. However, through support from the Hospice Team, Bill returned home in July 2023. Bill spoke to our Communications Officer on the day of his discharge about his experience on our IPU, “Before I came to the Hospice I didn’t realise how ill I actually was. A nurse suggested that I come here and at first, I was really reluctant, but my daughter, Michelle, said that we should go have a look, see what it’s like and then make a decision.
“I can’t describe how good these people have been, from the cleaners to everyone. Everyone here knows me and will call me Bill, it just feels a very normal place to be. Even with something like having a shower, which felt embarrassing the first time being helped, but they put my mind at rest. Everything is like that here, nothing feels strange. Everyone is just very calming and reassuring. I will look forward to coming back here and visiting everyone because I just love the place.”
Money raised from The Hospice Lottery helps Michael Sobell House fund services like The Inpatient Unit.