Ann was aged 45 years, married to Bob with three children Neil, aged 15, Amy, aged 12 and Philip, aged 7.

She was diagnosed with advanced cancer and was referred to St Peter's by her GP.

Ann was supported at home by one of our Community Nurse Specialists until it was decided to admit her to the In-patient Unit as she was experiencing severe pain in her legs. Both legs were swollen and her mobility was so reduced that she felt socially isolated and found it difficult to cope with her children's questions about her illness and her future.

The staff at the Hospice were able to look at all her problems and help Ann set realistic goals to reduce them. Firstly, the medical and nursing problems were assessed with action taken by both the Nursing and Medical Teams to achieve maximum symptom control. The Lymphoedema Sister prescribed a course of treatment to be carried out by the nursing staff and Ann's mobility was assessed by the Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist and a plan of action introduced.

The Chaplain then met Ann and Bob and was able to open up discussions regarding their spiritual needs, beliefs and views. This made it possible for Ann and Bob to look at how to deal with the families spiritual questions and needs as they arose.

Ann and Bob were introduced to the Hospice Social Worker who was able to help them talk about their concerns for their children and support them in making plans for Ann to go home. They were happy for the Children and Families Social Worker to meet the children at home and spend time with them, helping them to understand and cope with Mum's illness and answer difficult questions about death.

After several contented months at home, Ann's condition deteriorated and she was re-admitted. During her previous visit Ann had said that she would prefer to die at home with her family. The nursing and medical staff agreed that she might die in the next few days and liaised with her GP and District Nurse. Ann was discharged from the Hospice and returned home where she received care from the St Peter's "Hospice At Home" Service.

Ann spent her last few days at home where she died peacefully with her family.

The Community Nurse Specialist made initial contact with Bob, following Ann's death, and offered to refer him to the Bereavement Care Team at the Hospice. They would be able to continue to support him and his family through their bereavement.

Ann's story is a compilation of the stories of many patients who have been helped by the Hospice.