In 2011, Barbara was diagnosed with lung cancer but despite going into remission after treatment, it had moved to both lungs by Christmas 2013.
Many people fear coming to the Hospice and this becomes a barrier to getting the right care. Barbara is an inspirational lady and she kindly shared her positive experience of Hospice life and dismisses the misconception that Hospices are somewhere to fear.
“I feel welcomed, everyone knows my name, although I often forget everyone else’s, it feels so personal here, I’m a person not an illness.”
73 year old Wendy Sykes, an active independent lady, was given her diagnosis of small cell cancer in December 2014 and was told she probably had 9 months to live. Nothing prepared Wendy for how sudden her downturn in health would be when she lost all her upper body strength in September 2015. At this point Wendy’s Macmillan Nurse advised her to use the Respite Service provided by Alice House Hospice.
There is always ongoing maintenance work that needs attention at Alice House Hospice and it is difficult to find the time and the staff to perform these regular maintenance tasks without spending money on outside contractors.
The National Citizenship scheme has, over the years, helped to support the Hospice to do many of these maintenance jobs that they simply don’t have the time or funds to complete.
Alice House Hospice will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 28 September 2017 at 7.00 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. start at Alice House Hospice, Wells Avenue, Hartlepool, TS24 9DA.
Alice House Hospice now provides an additional Social Care Day Service on a Friday, starting Friday 15th September 2017.
The Hospice provides a Day Hospice for people living with life limiting illnesses living in the local community. However, some people have needs which are more social in nature and therefore attending Day Care can help.
Hartlepool Hospice Ltd (known locally as Alice House Hospice and formerly Hartlepool & District Hospice)
Registered office: Alice House, Wells Avenue, Hartlepool, TS24 9DA.