Hospice care gives a family time to be together

After caring for their father Bill at home, Terri Hill and Will Simpson were emotionally and physically exhausted. His move to St Raphael’s hospice in Sutton has brought reassurance that someone is there to help, and space for the family to spend time together.

Specialist care can ease the load on relatives as well as patients. At St Raphael’s, the ward team provides care around the clock, addressing physical symptoms alongside emotional, social and spiritual needs.

The hospice’s guide to its ward says relatives can visit at any time. Extra beds can be arranged for family members who want to stay overnight.

This is one family’s experience, and access remains constrained. The hospice says NHS funding covers about 30% of its costs; some beds remain empty because it cannot afford enough staff.

For Terri, the difference is immediate and personal: she can spend time with her dad, knowing his care is being shared.

Sources

• BBC News — Caring for dad was emotionally draining, but the hospice helped us
• St Raphael’s — Care on our ward