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by Jackie Irwin, Education Co-ordinator
St. Bridget's Hospice, Douglas
You are diagnosed with breast cancer and the last place you want
to know about is
the Hospice. This is because hospices are dark, sad, gloomy buildings,
run by nuns,
built inside a huge perimeter wall, who only deal with people who
are dying.
You may be forgiven for having this image in your mind, as most
of the population
would describe a hospice in this way. However, you couldn't be further
away from
the truth if you tried. St. Bridget's is a bright building, filled
with flowers and
laughter, which is not a religious organisation, despite the name,
situated in the
centre of upper Douglas.
How many myths have I already blown out of the water? We exist
to meet the needs
of 'our' patients regardless of their colour, creed, religion, or
sexual orientation. If
you were referred to St. Bridget's what could you expect? Well,
firstly we accept
patients from the time they are diagnosed with cancer-oh dear there's
another myth
gone. We would offer you support and, probably the most important
thing; time to
come to terms with your condition. We would also offer you the latest
treatment
regimes for symptom control, should you need it. We recognise and
encourage those
important to the patient to be involved in the care of the patients.
This is all starting to sound a bit too nicey-nicey isn't it? Well,
I think the most
important thing that we do, and do well, is allow you to be you.
Now this isn't a oneway
street by any means, because whilst we are helping and supporting
you, you are
teaching us along the way.
The amount we learn from the patients in terms of coping strategies,
life
experiences, etc. is immeasurable. The issues that are important
to you as an
individual are important to us.
Another point to remember is, the majority of patients referred
to the Hospice are
cared for in the community by the Macmillan team, so you don't necessarily
have to
put a foot into the Hospice if you don't want to. 'If you don't
want to'-simple words
but we mean it. You do not have to do anything that you don't want
to do;
conversely if there is anything that you really want to do then
we will do our
damnedest to help you achieve it.
Why don't you come for a look around? It's perfectly safe, honest!
Does it still sound
like the description at the beginning? I hope not. If it does then
I have failed in my
objective, and I apologise.
I have included with this piece the Nursing Philosophy for the
Hospice. I think it says
it all.
St. Bridget's Hospice In-Patient Unit Nursing Philosophy of Care
To Our Patients and Their Loved Ones You will remain at the centre
of our care. As a nursing team we will:
- Give of us freely and dedicate ourselves to you.
- Allow for your freedom of choice as much as is realistically
possible.
- Encourage your impendence, and help you to see each day as an
opportunity for
enrichment-to enjoy precious moments and new meanings.
- Deliver excellence in our nursing practice, combining scientific,
research-based
evidence with compassion and caring.
- Treat you in a non-judgemental way, and on an equal basis.
- Answer your questions honestly, but always in an atmosphere
of trust, supporting
you and your family.
- Recognise you as an individual and respect that your life, and
how you cope with
your illness, is unique to you.
- Respect your spirituality and the belief system you have of
the world.
- Promote complementary therapies to enhance our holistic approach
to your care.
- Encourage you to see and speak about your life as a whole, and
not just to
concentrate on the sad and painful time you may be experiencing
now.
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