Olivia’s story

After four months spent in hospital, we as a family were so relieved when my grandma Rita was taken into St Gemma’s to be cared for in her final weeks. As soon as she came to St Gemma’s her pain was under control. It was such a relief knowing when the inevitable happened, that grandma wasn’t suffering.

Her room (Bingley) was often filled with all of us and she was never left alone in the whole three weeks she was with you. Everyone who works there are angels in my eyes, making sure we had somewhere to sleep, hot drinks and even leaving us sandwiches in the staff fridge for whoever was staying over with her. I’ve never known such kindness through such a difficult time.

Grandma Rita was a true character and loved to make people laugh, including Dr. Josh who she proposed to! Rita’s catchphrase “Thanks for coming” started in hospital, where she’d say it to everyone, from the doctors and nurses, the cleaning staff and to anyone who came to see her. She always made us laugh, as we knew it was coming. Rita was one of life’s true legends and she is missed by everyone who knew her.

I cannot describe how much gratitude I have for every single member of staff I met. Nothing was too much trouble, even when her room was full of family members every day and at all hours.

Every member of staff was so kind and compassionate, meaning my beautiful grandma was able to pass peacefully and with dignity. I don’t know what we would have done without St Gemma’s.

Thank you all!

Rita Jacobson 6th July 1930 – 22nd June 2023 “Thanks for coming.”