Rosie's hospice story
"I had a heart attack on Boxing Day and I was very poorly, I don't think they expected me to live for very long. My friend had said that I was eligible for hospice services, and my GP had also said the same thing - so that's how I became a patient at the hospice.
I got very depressed after my initial results when they said they couldn't do anything for my heart, so I thought "what's the point in doing anything because I've got no time left", but the hospice has been amazing in helping me to find that, actually, although I do feel desperately ill, I've still got a lot to offer; I've got a brain and talents, I'm a good public speaker.
I had an open mind about the hospice because I've worked in medical services and for the NHS, and I'm still a hospital Governor so I didn't have thoughts about it one way or another. But when I came to the hospice and was assessed by a consultant, I said "I don't think I should be here, there's lots of people who are really ill", but he looked at my four large medical files and I said I would give it a go. From day one, actually it's such a warm, lovely, life-giving place. I think people have misinformation about it, but it's helped me so much.
As a day therapy patient I'm with the creative therapist quite a lot doing art therapy. I thought "I'll give it a go" so started out painting my own silk scarves and went on to making pictures and painting. It's been good, it gives you an idea that actually I've still got a different side. Yes, I'm creative because I'm still writing film scripts but I can still draw and paint too.
And I love the massage, the massage is really important when you've got chronic pain and you're struggling to breathe, and it's so relaxing. The complementary therapists are just amazing. The nurses also help me every week, they ask you how you're doing, and I've had a few issues with medication and they help; they're just there for you.
For people who have been referred to the hospice for the hospice for the first time, I would say don't be overwhelmed by it, just relax and give it a chance. You might do one session and think it's not for me because of your own fear really of what 'hospice' means, but I would say it's about giving you enjoyment and life again, so give it a go."