Sharon Walters: Enduring power of the special 'hospice hug'
Sharon has been part of the team at North Devon Hospice for just over eight years. Today, she shares one memorable moment that sums up the feeling of the ‘hospice hug’ perfectly
This year, North Devon Hospice marks its 40th anniversary, and what an amazing 40 years it’s been!
Since appointing our very first community nurse specialist back in September 1984, we’ve cared for thousands of local people here at the hospice and right across the 800 square miles of North Devon, all thanks to you.
During those 40 years, it’s your inspiring support that has allowed us, as a charity, to hold countless families in their time of need, wrapping them up in the ‘hospice hug’ and making them feel safe at a time when it really does matter most.
While I’ve been in my role as PA to the chair, chief executive and directors at the hospice for just under a quarter of that time, the countless memories I’ve made and the wonderful moments I’ve witnessed here remind me every single day of the incredible difference this vital charity makes to so many people in our community facing their toughest times.
One memory in particular that stands out for me and sums up the feeling of our ‘hospice hug’ perfectly came one day while I was covering our reception desk.
A gentleman arrived who was accompanying his wife to the Bedded Unit for end-of-life care.
For many people, coming to a hospice like this for the first time can feel quite overwhelming, especially if they’re coming with a loved one who is poorly.
In this instance, the angst and worry on this gentleman’s face was palpable and he was clearly apprehensive about his wife being admitted – understandably so at such a distressing time.
After welcoming him with a smile and a gentle hand, I walked with him down to our Bedded Unit so he didn’t have to go into this new environment on his own feeling unsure.
But as soon as we walked through the doors, I saw his initial fears simply melt away as he was greeted by the warmth and kindness of our nursing team, who welcomed him like an old friend and scooped him up in their care. Before my very eyes, he was calmed and felt reassured.
This moment reminded me how vulnerable we all can be but how a smile, kindness and a hug cost nothing but are worth so very much.
This is what your support means for our patients and families; a warm embrace, a place of comfort and a lifeline of care and support to shelter them from the storm caused by a life-limiting illness.
On behalf of all those we care for, thank you. I hope that together, we can ensure our hospice is here in the future to care for even more people from North Devon, time after time.