Over the last 35 years we have helped more than 30,000 patients and their families living with incurable illness across Stafford and the surrounding areas. Here, Michelle Wright shares her story of how she has benefitted from our care.
Michelle Wright was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and received chemotherapy. During the treatment, the mum-of-two was given the news she had inoperable pancreatic cancer.
So she was referred to us by the hospital and joined our six-week wellbeing course where she has benefitted from all aspects of our care.
The 49-year-old says the help she has received from us – physical, emotional and financial – has been invaluable to her.
As a hospice we offer a range of services to people living with an incurable illness and we help from day one of a diagnosis.
Michelle said: “It was a huge shock when I heard the word hospice because I thought I was being checked in for end of life care. The nurses explained to me the support they offer.
“Rachel, the complementary therapist, is fabulous and Mel, my nurse, is wonderful. She helps with any queries or concerns I have
“Since coming here I’ve met other people in a similar situation to myself which has been a big help as I can talk to others in a relaxed environment.
“The hospice has given me hope and has allowed me to be a lot more positive about my outlook on life.
“If I wasn’t at the hospice I would be a shell of myself. I would be incredibly isolated at home because I wouldn’t know where to go or where to access help.”
“The hospice makes me feel normal”
“Staff also help with financial support. I don’t have any money coming into my household from my job so the hospice helps with specialist advice for things such as appropriate benefits. It really is a massive help.”
Michelle says attending the hospice makes her feel normal as she is with people in a similar situation and is not seen as being any different.
“The staff are compassionate and friendly and they take time to listen. Every one of them always has a smile and a friendly hello and they are all genuinely happy to help people.
“Coming to Katharine House Hospice gives me something to look forward to.”
Our team provides compassionate care and is made up of doctors, palliative nurse specialists, healthcare assistants, lymphoedema specialists, complementary therapists, physio and occupational therapists, counsellors, spiritual care and family support workers.
Cathy Browning, Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) and Outpatient Lead, said: “It’s not all clinical and managing pain and sickness. We help people live better quality lives within the constraints of their illness. A huge part of our day is providing emotional and psychological support. And creating laughter, making memories and living.
“One of the biggest things we do here is offer emotional support. Emotional and physical support is very important to people who have been told they have an incurable illness.
“We are here to help them navigate through it all.”