Community Care
Richard first came under St Margaret’s Hospice’s care over a year ago, and towards the end of his life, he always spoke of the hospice with warmth, reverence, and gratitude.
“Since day one,” Richard said, “When I met my personal nurse Anna, the true value of this hospice has been clear.”
Living alone, Richard carried a very real fear: of dying unnoticed and not being found. “But now I have this weekly contact with my nurse Anna, who has been the reliable port of call that I can contact at any time.
It's like having somebody watching over me."Richard
The hospice transformed how Richard experienced life – physically, mentally, and spiritually. “I’m so grateful for what they’ve done to improve my life – through pain management, psychological support, and interaction with other people that have illnesses.”
And Anna built a strong relationship with Richard, supporting him no matter what. “Lovely Anna. I can’t thank her enough. She’s guided me through the worst things.”
The Sunflower Centre
Aside from the community care provided by Anna and the team, Richard also attended the Sunflower Centre, a place that left a lasting impression from the moment he stepped inside.
“The first time I walked in there, the thing I most remember are the smiles, from both staff and from patients. All my problems, my anxiety, even my pain, just took second place to the ambience of that environment.”Richard
He found a space where his fears didn’t control him, where sympathy was replaced with understanding, and where connection overcame isolation. “I was apprehensive. I didn’t want people to be staring at me, and I don’t like sympathy. But all my fears disappeared. I didn’t need to worry about what I looked like – it was irrelevant. It’s not faces of shock; it’s smiling faces.”
For Richard, being with others who truly understand was a vital part of his wellbeing. “They bring together people that are all at that point of life where there’s confusion, fear and loneliness – but it’s all forgotten.” In his view, one of the most important aspects of hospice care was simply being with others who understand.
The In-Patient Unit (IPU)
Over the next few months, Richard’s care continued to adapt as his needs changed. He spent a short stay on St Margaret’s IPU for symptom management, which made a significant difference to his wellbeing. The support helped improve his comfort and strength, particularly as he had been experiencing difficulties with pain and medication.
Alongside clinical care on the IPU, Richard found deep comfort in the hospice’s spiritual care, having regular appointments with the hospice’s team. “St Margaret’s has solidified my faith,” he said.
Following this stay, Richard was discharged to the comfort of his own home.
I thank God for my journey. I wouldn’t change anything – because if I changed one thing I wouldn’t be here, and I like it here.”Richard
End of Life
Before Christmas, Richard travelled to North Wales to spend time with his family. While staying with his ex-partner, Debbie, his condition deteriorated significantly. Although he was miles away, Anna remained closely involved, keeping in regular contact and growing increasingly concerned about his wellbeing.
Acting quickly, Anna coordinated with local district nurses and contacted St David’s Hospice in Wales. Despite being at full capacity, they made space for Richard and admitted him. During his stay, he became incredibly unwell and was thought to be entering the final stages of his life.
Then, unexpectedly, Richard began to rally.
A consultant at St David’s contacted Anna to say Richard had improved and was very clear about one thing – he wanted to return to Somerset and be cared for by the team he knew and trusted at St Margaret’s.
There was only a small window of opportunity to make that happen safely. Richard had full mental capacity to express his wishes, but his physical condition meant the move would need careful planning and swift action. Behind the scenes, both hospices worked together to arrange a private ambulance, jointly funding the journey back to Somerset.
Even winter weather couldn’t stop the determination of the ambulance team, who travelled to Wales and brought Richard home. He arrived safely at St Margaret’s and was admitted to the In-Patient Unit, surrounded once again by familiar faces.
A few days later, Richard died peacefully on the IPU.
His faith had become a profound source of strength and comfort for him, particularly towards the end of his life. He had three nurses by his side, each of whom knew him and understood what mattered to him. He had been freshly washed, had his rosary in his hands, and had his best prosthetic nose in place.
As he lay quietly, nurse Di read a psalm aloud. As the psalm came to an end, Richard died peacefully, secure in his faith and surrounded by compassion.
What the hospice has done is instilled my belief that compassion is alive and well. That compassion – it’s the brightest light ever. It’s a medicine in its own right.”Richard
Being able to honour someone’s wishes — and provide care across county borders, settings and services – is only possible because of the generosity of people who support St Margaret’s.
1 in 3 of our patients are cared for thanks to gifts left in Wills.
By leaving a gift of your own, you could help ensure that compassion, dignity and care are there for the next person who needs us most.