Bill, aged 88 from St Albans, spent 11 days on the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit. Living with the lung condition COPD, he had been receiving intravenous antibiotics as well as constant oxygen support.
“The nurse from my GP Surgery was so excited when she told me there was a bed available at St Francis for me. I didn’t know what the Hospice was or what they did. I had a feeling they cared for some people who were dying. I was exhausted. Now I know why she was so excited – it’s made a huge difference.”
“Come here. This is the place for you,” shares Bill when asked how people should feel about the Hospice.
Bill, who had a previous admission to Watford General Hospital, explained that the Hospice team also treated the water retention in his legs, a common symptom of COPD.
“It doesn’t matter who you are. The doctors and nurses are incredible. They must have some sort of extra special training. I only had to look ill and they are there to help! They’ve added time to my life.”