“I think we are great at getting people to talk about things that they may feel uneasy about. At Primrose Hospice, we are comfortable talking about dying and grief; it is very important that we talk to family, friends and loved ones about our thoughts around dying and certainly our wishes about dying.”

Since 2009 Dying Matters Week has been used by many organisations to encourage people across the country to take a moment to start conversations about dying in whatever way works for them.

At Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre our team encourage and support patients and families to talk about subjects they may be uncomfortable talking about. Every year we provide care and support to 1,300 people in North East Worcestershire. This simply wouldn’t be possible without our ‘Primrose People’.

From every volunteer, patient, staff member and fundraiser, everyone plays a vital part in ensuring Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre can continue to provide the free and vital support to our community in their time of need.

The next ‘Primrose Person’ we are going to be hearing from is Alison McGarry, one of our Staff Nurses. We asked her about Dying Matters Week and the support she provides for patients and families. You can read her words or listen to her story below…

“I help to oversee the Day Hospice and, between the team, we provide support for patients who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness to lead the best life they possibly can in the time they have left to live. We help them to live a comfortable life, help with symptom control and support them in many other ways too.

We provide a safe environment for people to come to, where they can socialise and form friendships with other people who are coming to Primrose Hospice. We have a fantastic team of nurses, our physiotherapist and our occupational therapist who can all provide tailored support for you.

I’ve got quite a few years of experience now and I think, as nurses, we are great at getting people to talk about things that they may feel uneasy about. At Primrose Hospice we are comfortable discussing dying and grief. It’s very important that we talk to family, friends and loved ones about our thoughts about dying and certainly our wishes about dying, especially in the event that you’re unable to actually verbalise that for yourself.

Often speaking to someone else, and particularly a health professional, regarding your wishes around dying it does ease the burden. It may make it easier for you long term.

The word ‘hospice’ seems to make people feel fearful but please come and see us. Pop in for an hour, have a look around and see our facilities. There’s always a fantastic atmosphere and a lot of laughing. There is a bit of crying, but definitely more laughing than there is crying! Once people have made that first step, they are put at ease and very few individuals don’t come back again. By coming here, we can help with things that you may not be able to get help with elsewhere.

Find out more about the support Primrose Hospice & Family Support centre can provide for you and your loved ones by clicking on the button below.

Contact our team:

T: 01527 871051

E: info@primrosehospice.org

Published 11.05.23