Michelle’s Story
Michelle Falconer’s mum was cared for in her own home by St Gemma’s Community Team before eventually receiving care on the Hospice’s In-Patient Unit. Michelle shares her story, including the fears she had about her mum being admitted and the quality of care her family received:
“My Mam was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013, after the death of my older sister Sharon. She overcame it, till my Dad passed away on 2015.
“December 2015 we were told it was back and nothing could be done. Mum received fantastic palliative care at home, until that dreaded day arrived August 2016, she went into St Gemma’s ‘for end of life care’. Although we’d had a scary encounter when my sister passed away in a different hospice, St Gemma’s cared for my Mam with passion.
“I had always asked them to be honest when the time came and, true to their word, they did. My Mam spent 11 weeks in Gemma’s care. If I was needed they would call no matter what time of day it was. Their honesty and passion was a god send in the final week of my Mam’s life. I truly can not thank them enough.
“Having lost my Dad 13 months before they looked after my Mam, helping her and us her family, always there to listen, give a squeeze when times are hard. I remember 10th October Mam had a turn, they called me but I couldn’t get there straight away until I had dropped my girls at school, a nurse sat with my Mam till I arrived holding her hand, reassuring her I was on my way.
“The work they do is amazing and not credited enough. I would like once again to say thank you to all the staff on the Moors Ward during her final time on the earth. The kitchen staff, the nurses, the doctors. Even the care I received after Mam passed was thoughtful and caring. I couldn’t have asked anymore from the Moors Ward team.
“This lady, my Mam was one of a kind. A amazing Mam, Grandma,Great Grandma and Auntie. She is truly missed. Xx”
To share your experience of St Gemma’s care, please visit www.st-gemma.co.uk/hospicestories/create