Jacqueline and Jo's story

Jacqueline Atack grew up in Normanton and currently lives in Methley, she didn’t know much about the Hospice but after a recommendation from her Macmillan nurses, Jacqueline and her daughter, Jo learned more about the Hospice through our virtual tour and decided it was the right time to receive further care.

Jacqueline was diagnosed with a brain tumor in November 2022 and after receiving gamma treatment was told earlier this year it had spread to her lungs and unfortunately there was nothing more that can be done.

Jacqueline’s daughter Jo was providing round the clock care and wanted to be reassured her mum would receive the same while she was staying on our ward. Jo told us: “I’ve got piece of mind that when I’m not here, mum is well looked after. Even in the night, nurses are at the end of a buzzer. No matter their role you can stop anyone in the corridor and they are more than happy to help.”

During Jacqueline’s time on our ward she was also working with our Physiotherapist to build up her strength. Our Wellbeing Team provided activities to keep both Jacqueline and Jo entertained and Jacqueline also used our Jacuzzi bath (this is available to everyone in our community as part of our bathing service). Jacqueline said: “It was just brilliant, at home by the time I’ve run the bath and got in, it’s become cold!” Jo added: “Mum’s face was a picture when she first tried it.”

Jo continued “We’ve also both received massages from the complementary therapist. It has been lovely how the carer is treated just as well as the patient. I’ve been made to feel so welcome. The food is fantastic, when I’ve been here I’ve been able to order food too which is a big help. Mum isn’t a big eater but everything she has had, she’s finished.”

The two were also able to enjoy the Hospice gardens “I’ve loved looking out and visiting the garden, the nurses were able to reposition my bed so I wake up looking out of the patio doors” Jacqueline told us “I’ve even been inspired to write a story, we sat in the summer house and Jo recorded me, it’s about two little dicky birds that visit in the morning. The gardens are so calm and quiet, you don’t feel trapped, you can get out and about at your own leisure, you don’t have to stay in your room.”

Jacqueline’s son John lives in Bristol and was able to come and visit and bring his German Shepard, Poppy along to the Hospice. Jo told us: “It is great that pets can also visit, it has meant that John can stay longer and mum has got to see Poppy too.”

Jacqueline said: “I think it is wonderful, I can’t recommend the Hospice enough.” Jo added: “We’re booked in for massages next week after we’ve gone home and mum will definitely be booking the bathing service. I live in Cornwall but I will make sure I’m back to bring mum to the craft group every Friday. We have a great support system at home but it is reassuring knowing the Hospice is here. The care and professionalism is second to none and we would highly recommend the Hospice to patients and their carers.”