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Colin, a retired police sergeant from Crowborough, who has spinal and neck cancer, was admitted to the Hospice after being referred from hospital.
“The care I have experienced is fantastic,” said Colin, aged 83, who is a father of two, and has five grandchildren. “The staff are brilliant, nothing is too much. They take time to listen. I couldn’t keep anything down, but they’ve helped me to start eating again. I was having terrible dreams before, but since being here I’m starting to sleep better. It’s beautiful and the view from my room is lovely. There is a little pheasant that comes up to the terrace and yesterday morning I watched the sun rise from my bed – it’s unbelievable.”
Miriam, who has been married to Colin for 34 years, said: “We had such a lovely welcome here at Five Ashes, it’s wonderful. They take a holistic approach and I have seen a big change in Colin since he was admitted. He’s more alert and much calmer. It’s bright and airy, and everyone is so cheerful. Visitors can come and go easily; my brother and sister-in-law have brought their dog in with them. Colin asked me to bring his saxophone in, which he is hoping to play later. We are so relieved and grateful that Colin is here.”
Staffing challenges last year led to all in-patient care being temporarily consolidated at the Hospice’s site in Pembury. Now, thanks to successful nursing recruitment and additional facilities, the specialist team can now mirror the care given at Pembury at the Five Ashes site. Upgrades include an oxygen store to help meet fluctuating demand easily and efficiently, improved medication facilities, a commercial kitchen and the addition of a welcome desk.
Nick Farthing, Chief Executive at Hospice in the Weald, said: “We are pleased to offer in-patient care from Five Ashes once again. We’ve also invested in additional facilities, so we can now also provide vital end of life care to patients with more complex health needs.
“The new name, ‘Hospice in the Weald, Five Ashes,’ aims to make our services clearer and easier to find, so that patients, families, and all in our community know that we have two hospice sites providing expert end-of-life care.
Nick added: “These positive developments are part of a major transformation programme across both sites to better support patients and their loved ones for many years to come.”
