David’s Story

David Moore’s family have shared their experience of Southern Area Hospice Services, in David’s case, the specialist palliative care provided by Southern Area Hospice allowed him to get his pain under control, allowing him to return home to spend quality time with his family.

As told by David’s sister Fiona.

My brother David had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and had been receiving treatment in the Mandeville unit in Craigavon and Urology department in City Hospital. It was in April 2017, when under the care of Macmillan Support Services, David’s pain escalated, it was at this point his GP recommended a visit to the Hospice, where a specialist team could help control his symptoms of both pain and nausea.

David’s initial reaction was very negative as like the rest of us he felt that the Hospice was only for people who were dying. Thankfully his GP was able to convince David that they provided excellent pain management and that once his pain was under control, he could return home.The Hospice was nothing like we had expected, David had his own room, it was a very relaxed atmosphere which made it so much easier for his wife Angela and son Jason to visit and feel at home.

David’s pain was brought under control, and he began to feel and look better and started to talk about getting home. The staff in the hospice were amazing, not only was David their priority but also his family. David knew all the staff by name and they in turn knew us.David celebrated his 59th birthday in the Hospice with his family and the staff and the following day he skipped down the steps with his ‘man bag’ (syringe driver). David was able to enjoy several weeks back home, out and about with family and friends until his pain returned and this time, he himself asked to go back into the hospice to have his pain brought back under control.

While David was in the Hospice, we were able to spend time with him, either sitting quietly with him in his room or when he felt up to it, a visit to the beautiful gardens and to sit in the gazebo. David also met with the Chaplain, and it was lovely to have the little chapel to visit and quietly pray.David’s condition continued to deteriorate, and the Hospice team spoke with Angela and Jason to help them prepare for David’s death.

As the end of June approached, we were advised that David was terminally ill. David spoke with Angela and Jason in the comfort of his room to prepare them for his leaving them.We were always made feel welcome, and for those final days we were able to be with him.

David passed away on the morning of the 28th of June with all his family there with him, the dignity showed by the staff to us will always be treasured.Even after David’s death the Hospice team were always available to us for support. The services such as Christmas Carol service and the annual remembrance service are a very important part of the grieving process for us. As David loved the garden, we purchased a leaf on the memory tree and regularly visit the garden and sit quietly with our memories.