“The hospice has saved my life and whatever time I have left, short or long, it’s made me a better person.”
A patient has hailed the kindness and dignity he’s been shown by Birmingham Hospice’s Inpatient Unit (IPU) team and said the care he’s received has changed his life.
When David Thompson, from Smith’s Wood, was admitted to our Erdington hospice site, he was at his lowest ebb after being diagnosed with terminal tongue cancer.
passionate for drawing during
his time at the Inpatient Unit.
The 62-year-old, who has had issues with drinking and smoking, noticed a lump on his tongue. Over time, growths on his neck developed and his health deteriorated; he lost weight and found it difficult to eat because of the intense pain.
David, who lived on his own, became so weak he struggled to leave his bedroom. At the beginning of April, he was discovered by his social worker and the emergency services, who took him to hospital for urgent treatment.
He was referred to the hospice for symptom control and pain relief after being advised by doctors that treatment could cause complications to his health.
While initially worried about going into a hospice and how he would be treated, he was quickly won over by the compassionate care of the hospice.
He said: “I realised that they were trying to help me. They said to me ‘you are our David, you are family now’. Everyone was really welcoming and would say to me ‘good luck Dave, it will be all right.’”
For David, it was the moments of generosity and kindness which have made the biggest difference, from staff giving him a cup of tea in the middle of the night, to one team member washing his clothes.
Many hospice teams have rallied to support him in his time of need. He’s received counselling to help him come to terms with the life changing impact of the diagnosis, while the Personal Health Budget Team has provided new clothing.
Meanwhile, our Palliative Care Social Worker is assisting David with his finances. The hospice is finding residential care for him where he will receive the continued support he needs.
David added: “I’ve never experienced such kindness before. Because of that kindness I’ve really changed, and I want to raise money for the hospice.
“Everyone has been so helpful, and it has made a huge difference; that’s why I call everyone here angels.”
Such has been the impact, he wants to help our work and is planning to write a letter highlighting the importance of hospice care to His Royal Highness King Charles III.
During his time at the hospice, David has also developed a passion for art and has been provided with pencils and paper to help him express himself.
“I pick up a pencil and draw whatever’s in my head,” he added.
“Compared to a few months ago, I couldn’t imagine to be in a better place. Not in a million years.
“It’s been life changing. It’s made me love the simple things and given me a new perspective on life. If you help other people, you benefit the most.”
