Pat Jackson from Ackworth never imagined that a fall at home would turn her life upside down. One moment she was going about her normal activities, the next she was being taken to Hospital.
It was there that doctors found more serious illnesses and told her she had a terminal prognosis. The words landed heavily, leaving her shocked and frightened.
“I didn’t know what was happening to me,” she said. “I was supposed to be dying, and I was scared. I was frightened to go somewhere on my own.”
That fear stayed with her until she arrived at The Prince of Wales Hospice. The atmosphere felt warm and safe straight away. For the first time since hearing the news, she felt she wasn’t facing it alone. The caring team surrounded her, took time to explain things, listen to her, and to treat her with kindness and respect.
“When I got here,” she said, “I was not alone anymore. Paul, the doctor, was amazing. He came into my room and explained everything about my care. The way he spoke made me feel at ease. I finally felt safe.”
Pat lives in Ackworth and has a close, loving family of two sons and four grandchildren who bring her joy and comfort. The Hospice was not completely unfamiliar to her. Thirteen years ago, her husband had been cared for here after being diagnosed with cancer.
“He had such great support here, I already knew this place and how good it is. The Hospice has a very good reputation.”
Now, her own experience has gone beyond anything she expected. Each morning, she wakes up feeling content and cared for.
“I don’t want to leave this place,” she said. “Every day I wake up here, I’m happy. I love every minute.”
She has filled her days with small but meaningful moments. She has enjoyed breakfast club, taken part in Reiki sessions and joined the Christmas activities. She spent time with the members of the Wellbeing Team, who gave her practical and emotional support.
“They are so kind here,” she said.
Knowing how special this time has been, she asked to take photos with the staff who have cared for her. She wants to keep those pictures with her, as reminders of what she calls her happy days at the Hospice.
“I’ve made special memories here,” she said.
Soon, she will leave the Hospice to move into a nursing home, and that brings some nervousness. Leaving a place where she has felt so safe and supported is not easy. But she is also leaving stronger than when she arrived.
“I’m feeling tremendously better,” she said. “I have more confidence now than I did before.”
She hopes her story will help others who may feel afraid.
“I would absolutely recommend the Hospice,” she said. “I would tell people not to be scared to come here. In a way, to look forward to it. They help you and make you feel better.”