Brian’s story

Individual care 

With a keen interest in World War I and a career spanning 70 years, Brian Cross has always had a zest for life and a desire to learn. When his family saw how low he had become, they realised he needed more help than they could offer at home. Arrangements were made for Brian to come to Katharine House Hospice, where he could rest and be cared for.  

During his stay on the inpatient ward at the hospice, the team worked with him to find an individual pain management plan that worked for him and the personalised care didn’t just stop at medication.  

Brian was delighted that his unusual request for having cold baked beans alongside his roast dinner was catered for as well. 

“We feel incredibly lucky to have had a bed here. Dad was very low when he came here and couldn’t imagine a future. Within a couple of days, he felt rested, supported and happy. We feel everyone here has been amazing.” Brian’s daughter, Caroline

A warm welcome for all the family 

The room Brian was based in looks out into the garden and, smiling, he said how much he’s loved watching the birds from the window. The space in the room means there is plenty of room for family and friends to visit and he was able to make it feel like home with photographs of his grandchildren and great grandchildren on the walls.  

Brian said, “It’s unbelievable. You’d imagine that if you weren’t here, it would be a place to send people who need constant care.”  

His wife, Jenny, and daughters, Caroline and Nicola, have been able to visit regularly and have found the hospice a warm and welcoming place to be, from being asked by staff if they want a cup of tea to being able to talk to a nurse when they needed to. 

Far from being the depressing place they imagined, they said how they’ve been surprised by how staff take time to stop and talk to them and the warmth with which the family has been welcomed at the hospice. 

“Everything you think a hospice is, it isn’t.” 

The family talked about how hard it had been seeing Brian so low and seeing the difference in him now, where he’s cracking out a few jokes and making the family and the nurses laugh, “We’ve got Dad back for a bit.”  

Hospice care made all the difference 

Without the hospice care, Brian was doubtful that he would still be here. With the individual care, he’s been able to get to a point where he can return home. 

“The real difference was I thought it was the beginning of the end. In fact, it was the beginning of a new beginning.” 

Please help us help people like Brian

It is thanks to the donations of our wonderful supporters that we’re able to continue providing care to people affected by life-limiting illnesses and their families, helping them make the most of the time they have left and create quality memories with their loved ones. If you would like to make a donation, please click on the button below.

Katharine House Hospice

• To find out more about the work we do, read What we do.
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