"I’ve had a good life, and now it's time to let go, but I’m so grateful I found Teesside Hospice"

"I’ve had a good life, and now it's time to let go, but I’m so grateful I found Teesside Hospice to help me make the most out of my time here."

At Teesside Hospice, we’ve been supporting people with a terminal illness for 42 years, helping them to live as well as possible, for as long as possible. We are as determined as ever to make sure that nobody in Teesside dies scared, alone or in pain. Through caring and supporting patients just like Anne in their care, hear how our staff and services have changed the way she feels about hospice care:

“My name is Anne Metcalfe, I’m 86 years old, and this is my first experience in a hospice. I’ve never felt more cared for in my life than I do here. Choosing Teesside Hospice was one of the best decisions I could have made. 

My journey began with COPD, but it was when I started struggling to breathe that I received the news that I had cancer. At first, it came as a big shock to me, and I didn’t think it was that serious. But over time, it became clear that I wasn’t getting better. My family noticed it before I did, and that’s when I realised how much I was relying on them. My daughter and family have been so supportive of me, but as hard as I tried to maintain my independence, I found myself needing more and more help. It was difficult to come to terms with that, and I started to feel useless.”

In our specialist in-patient unit, everybody gets treated as an individual, whether it’s physical, mental or emotional support they need from us. We support people to stay as independent as possible, for as long as possible.

“The night before I arrived at the hospice, I hardly slept. I was nervous, and frightened. But from the moment I stepped through the doors, everyone I’ve met here has been marvellous. From the doctors to the nurses and the cleaners, every single person is so caring. The food, the atmosphere, the care, everything is more than I expected. 

They’re so attentive here. Every little need I have is met, and it’s that level of care that makes all the difference.

I’ve been incredibly lucky in life. There are people out there who don’t have the support system I do. But here at Teesside Hospice, no one is ever alone. For me, being able to spend this time surrounded by my loved ones and knowing I’m in the best hands possible is everything I could have hoped for.

I’ve had a good life, and now it's time to let go, but I’m so grateful I found Teesside Hospice to help me make the most out of my time here.”

We help people just like Anne to make the most of every day, ensuring they receive the best possible care by creating experiences and memories that last a lifetime.