Iain Galston thought Hospiscare was “just for the end” when his wife, Lesley, was referred to our service.
“My wife, Lesley, was diagnosed with two different cancers. One is in remission but two years ago, the oncologist told us the chemotherapy hadn’t worked and there was nothing more they could do for the second cancer. We were told Lesley had about 12 months. It was brutal.
“The oncologist referred us to Hospiscare and we thought – that’s it. Hospiscare is where you go for the end.
“Our first point of contact was with Sophie from Hospiscare’s community nursing team. She visited us at our home in Okehampton and explained everything that Hospiscare does and how it isn’t just a place to die.
“The community nurses support us over the phone and we have visits too. When Lesley was in a lot of pain, Dr Lock visited us and recommended admitting Lesley to the hospice to change her pain medication and explained it was best to do this on the ward where they could make adjustments and monitor Lesley closely.
“I was amazed at the place – I’ve never been to a hospice before and didn’t know what to expect. I couldn’t believe how friendly everyone was. We have a dog and we were so surprised when the nurses told us she could come in too – she loved it!
“We’ve spent so much time in hospital since Lesley was diagnosed. I can’t put into words the difference between her hospital stays and her stay at the hospice.”
Hospiscare Firewalker Iain Galston braving the blaze
After staying on our specialist ward for a week, Lesley returned home where the community nursing team continued to support her and Iain.
“Although my wife is the patient, I am also being supported by Hospiscare. Sophie referred me to Mark, Hospiscare’s Bereavement Lead and Counsellor. Mark has kept me sane. He sits there and listens – he takes it all. I can sound off to him and he never judges me.
“I can’t thank the Hospiscare staff enough, particularly the Okehampton Community Nurses and Mark, for all their support to Lesley and me.
“Hospiscare has already reduced services due to financial constraints. Please help stop any more cuts.”
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