Lewisham Speaking Up

Hi guys! As you know I normally discuss 1-2-1 cases, but I’d like to change the theme and share my experience in attending St Christopher’s Hospice in Sydenham.

My colleague Ellie invited me to visit St Christopher’s Hospice with her and the Parliament Reps. My first reaction? “No thank you!” and the second was me imagining bed patients preparing to say their last goodbyes. Nevertheless, instead of firmly declining the invitation, I heard myself say aloud “I’d like to attend. This is a new experience and knowledge”. As the day drew closer, I had a million excuses of why I shouldn’t go: I have a cold; I’m having problems with my knees; I have to attend an urgent appointment. I thought, I’ll simply email Ellie explaining why. She will understand; they will all understand.

The day dawned, and I told myself face up to your fears. When we arrived my pessimism, anxiety and nervousness dissolved. I looked at the front of the building and felt a warmth and calmness about the environment. We were introduced to our host, Esther, who was cheerful and keen to know all our names. As we followed her through the building, I observed how peaceful and weightless the walk was, as if I had left all my burdens outside and was entering into a domain of tranquillity. I was enjoying the architecture, the large spaces, the flood of light from outside, the soft neutral colours inside. I observed the artwork that had embedded itself in various forms and in every space and corner, equally balanced by the right amount of clear space.

When we reached the meeting room, after introductions and hellos were exchanged, Esther, a Community Connector, introduced herself and the timetable that she had prepared for the day. She confirmed she would explain what they did at the hospice. I now prepared myself to hear her lectures about dying and death. However, the message was don’t be too consumed about your mortality that you forget to live your life. The residents who came here had complex health needs, but despite that they were able to enjoy a chat with friends and loved ones, either in the spacious restaurant or the gardens. There was a range of facilities where people could have their feet or hands massaged or nails done. There was a hairdresser salon and a mini gym. Also, a beautiful space that represented a church, with stained glass windows that allowed colourful rays of light on a mosaic art on walls. My interpretation of the art was gentle sea waves with fishes swimming in the same direction, while other people interpreted it as leaves drifting from branches of trees. In this space you were allowed to light a candle and say a prayer, meditate, write a poem in the book, or express your thoughts about St Christopher’s Hospice.

One member of staff informed me that when spring arrives the patients can participate in horticulture sessions. Some had already expressed their ideas of planting herbs, shrubs and flowers.

The staff were friendly, cheerful, patient and understanding and there was agreement that it was important to have some sense of humour as a coping mechanism. I admired their spirit and tenacity in doing what I perceived as a very difficult and emotional job.

The theme at the hospice was to live well and die respectfully.  That, even when we are provided with a shorter life span than anticipated, depending on the level of one’s ability and capacity, to continue to participate in life.  And when the time comes, have a dignified transition into our next journey, surrounded by our loved ones whether they be family, friends or our pets.