Special Christmas care at Exeter hospice

Exeter’s hospice was full over Christmas as doctors and nurses cared for 12 people needing acute specialist help. Dawn Berger, pictured, who lives in St Thomas spent a very enjoyable Christmas Day at the hospice after being admitted a week ago.

She said: “My husband and friends visited, I had a wonderful Christmas lunch sitting in my bed, there was a visit from Santa who gave me toiletries and chocolates and like everybody else does at Christmas I fell asleep.” Dawn’s dog Darcy enjoyed spending the day on her bed.

Hospiscare staff helped three patients to go home before Christmas Day to spend precious time with their families; including one mum who has young children. Another mum went home for Christmas Day, as did a grandfather who was very keen to spend time with his family.

Staff nurse Tina Bissett said: “Christmas is a special time and we want to make it special for the patients and their families.

"The hospice is decorated with lovely Christmas trees, we played Christmas music, families and pets visited and a glass of sherry or wine was served before lunch. One lady was very excited to be given bubble bath and she had a bath in our lovely big whirlpool baths.”

The local charity’s team of doctors, consultants and nurses are all specialists in providing pain and symptom control for people with life limiting illnesses.

Hospiscare has a ratio of two patient to one nurse, provides care 24/7 and there is always a consultant on call as well as the hospice chaplain.

The Dryden Road hospice, takes seriously ill patients from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital or patients being looked after in their own homes needing help with acute symptoms, such as pain, nausea and vomiting.

Hospiscare relies on the local community to fund the very special care it provides.