‘We’re surrounded by angels when we need them most’

The following is a first-hand account of the benefits of having the support of the County Wexford Hospice Homecare team.

I do believe we are surrounded by angels when we need them, a statement not made lightly, but earned by the County Wexford Hospice Home Care Nurses, who helped and supported my husband John, I and family in our time of need.

On August 24, 2011, John was a patient in Wexford General Hospital, and it has been said before so many times in peoples lives, the doctor delivered the news: ‘You have a large tumour on your right lung.’

This very sick man lying in his hospital bed, shocked and stunned said: ‘Doctor are you telling me it is cancer?’

‘Yes, John, I am. Sorry. We need to do a bronchoscopy for more results.’

The next five days went in a haze of hope, concern and worry, with all the family members coping with there own feelings while trying to support their dad and each other.

On Monday morning the doctor came to give John the final results: ‘I don’t have good news for you’.

John’s only reply was: ‘I would like to go home’.

‘We will arrange it for Wednesday when we will set up the support you need and then we can discharge you,’ was the reply.

John’s homecoming on Wednesday, August 31, 2011, was followed by a phone call from Joan the Hospice Home care nurse to say she would be up to see John at 11am tomorrow. She asked if I was alright, and if I was worried anytime I was to pick up the phone and speak to her.

I felt a great sense of relief, I was not on my own and I had the support of the County Wexford Hospice Home care team.

I went straight to the bedroom to tell John that the nurse was coming to see him in the morning, John was glad to be in his own bed and I was glad to be able to share this time with him.

Nurse Joan came everyday and sometimes twice a day. John’s needs and comforts were her priority. Her calm and unobtrusive presence was always welcome.

During the next two weeks the family and I shared many precious moments in John’s company. We talked, reminisced, smiled, cried, laughed and above all we had a lot of quality time and loving togetherness with him.

The County Wexford Hospice Home Care team helped us as a family to cherish and remember with love and gratuity John’s peaceful passing to meet his maker.