Anne O’Brien, 72, from Chesham, who suffers from MS and breast cancer has been supported by South Bucks Hospice ever since she first heard about it four years ago.
Physiotherapy is vital to help Anne cope with her MS, while the hospice’s specialist lymphoedema team has helped reduce extreme swelling in her legs and acupuncture helps her manage other side-effects of her cancer treatment.
At the start of Lockdown in March 2020, South Bucks Hospice had to temporarily close to patients. This could have had a huge impact on Anne, but hospice nurse Karen Turner made weekly calls, which made a huge difference to Anne’s well-being. And when Anne had a sudden deterioration with her MS, Karen was able to arrange for a wheelchair for her, as well as a special device to help her into her bath.
Anne said, “It’s a lovely place. I do very much enjoy going and, before the coronavirus crisis, I went every single Thursday.” Anne (pictured with her grandson) paid tribute to Karen’s work, saying her weekly calls have been invaluable.
Karen, and all the team at South Bucks Hospice, are delighted to be able to continue to offer remote support as well as gradually welcome some patients like Anne back through the doors of Butterfly House where safe to do so.