Staff at Goscote Hospice exceeded expectations with their compassionate care, according the grateful family of a former patient.
Dorothy Perry, known as Dot by her loved ones, died in Goscote Hospice on February 28, at the age of 82.
Over the past 40 years Dot, who lived in Bloxwich, had lived with different forms of cancer, including breast, bone, spinal and liver cancer, despite a healthy diet and lifestyle.
After falling a few times in 2023, the grandmother of two, was admitted to Walsall Manor Hospital last October before receiving rehabilitative care at the hospice. She was later discharged to a nursing home.
After her condition rapidly deteriorated in February this year, her last wish was to spend her final days cared for by the compassionate staff at the hospice.
Her son Andrew said: “Ever since mum was admitted to Goscote in November the care was first class.
“The staff we met were all so kind and caring. If she pressed the buzzer they would be there straight away and the food was exceptional. Mum liked it there and staff simply couldn’t do enough for her.
“She was in the hospice on Christmas Day and they did a wonderful celebration, including us, and put on a full Christmas dinner for patients and their families. They also organised a birthday party for her when she was re-admitted and remembered everything she liked – including her favourite food, drink and TV programmes.
“She deteriorated in February and was admitted again to spend her final days at Goscote, which was her last wish.
“She was over the moon to come back here knowing she’d be looked after. It was a big relief for us as we wanted her here as we knew she’d be in safe hands.
“The staff are absolutely fantastic, they can’t do enough for us. They always have time for you as the family. There are no silly questions – they’ll sit and reassure you, making sure you are informed and included in decision making.”
Andrew’s wife Claire added: “The environment was clean and comfortable and although she’s wasn’t awake, she’s got her dignity and she was peaceful.
“The team are professional, discreet and conscientious.”
Andrew added: “It’s a wonderful place with quiet rooms to sit and reflect in, so it’s not the sterile clinical environment you might expect. They’ve got a nice garden, a chapel and facilities to get hot drinks.
“We’ve also been offered counselling support to help us process what’s happening with mum. Coming here was the best decision for all of us.”
Andrew also wanted to thank Naznin Qureshi, Breast Cancer Nurse at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.
He said: “Naz used to ring my mum at least once a week to see if she was OK. If she was unsure about anything she would just ring Naz – even at weekends. Naz’s support was absolutely invaluable. She is an amazing Nurse – so friendly and helpful. We really appreciated it.”