Neil’s journey supported by our care

Back in December we were pleased to welcome former patient Neil Walker and his wife Susan back to the Hospice’s Sunflower Wellbeing Hub for a visit. Neil had been a patient at St Leonard’s in May after a long stay at York Hospital due to bowel cancer. At the time, Neil’s family was told he had just days left to live when leaving Hospital.

Reflecting on their arrival at the Hospice back in May, Susan said: “We’d been through hell, but when we got to St Leonard’s my daughter and I felt we could finally breathe again. It felt calm and relaxing. I remember clearly a nurse saying to us, ‘We’ll look after Neil now so you and Rebecca can get some rest and look after yourselves’ and that’s what we were finally able to do. It was so reassuring.”

Neil said: “I was at St Leonard’s for just over three weeks, and although I was very poorly, the care was brilliant. The staff were so kind. They’d ask if I wanted my bed moving so I could see out of the window, and they even made special ice lollies for me because that’s all I could manage to eat. They knew I liked John Smith’s, so one of the staff made some lollies out of that as a treat.”

Neil’s grandchildren were also able to visit during his stay. “I was happy for them to see me there, it was such a nice environment. We made some good memories, including them trying out the VR headset, which they loved.” Neil added.

With the support of the team, Neil’s medication was brought under control, and his health improved. “I was able to go home after three and a half weeks,” Neil said, “just in time for our golden wedding anniversary.” Once back at home, the family received weekly visits from the Carer Support Service. Susan found the visits invaluable, “Having someone there to take care of Neil for a while gave me the chance to meet friends for a coffee and have a bit of a break, which has been vital.”

Now, Neil is feeling much stronger. “Neil’s determination has been remarkable,” said Susan. “And we couldn’t have managed without all the help and care we received from St Leonard’s.”