Robert King was one of the first people to benefit from our Frailty Service. The former electronics engineer previously spent much of his time at his daughter’s house for support and was admitted to hospital with a urine infection, where he then stayed for 11 days. His wish upon arriving at the Hospice was to get back to his own home.
How are you coping with your health conditions?
"Before I went to the hospital at the end of December I was able to mobilise myself with a Zimmer frame and some walking sticks - I could also cope with the stairs in my daughter's house. I was able to do quite a lot of things, but I was struggling with other things like shopping, washing and putting clothes out, which are quite difficult with a Zimmer frame - so it's helpful to be able to stay with my daughter.
"It starting off with me going between houses, spending time at each - but as my condition got worse I'd been spending more time at my daughter's."
Why were you in the hospital?
"I went to see my GP before Christmas and was diagnosed with a UTI and given antibiotics. I took one tablet and my legs completely seized up. I couldn't move at all, so I ended up in a bed in hospital for 11 days. This was most recently, but I have had to call an ambulance and go to A&E for a number of other reasons as well."
What was your first thought when someone mentioned coming to the Hospice?
"When the Hospice staff came to see me they explained everything clearly - so I knew what was going on here and took it from that. If they hadn't explained it then I think I would have been surprised that I was going into a hospice.
"But the team are very good at what they do, and the medical care at the Hospice is so good because it is so personalised to me. It's good to know that when I leave, I will have access to more support if I need it.
"Thank you so much to those who have fundraised for this service, it's amazing what has been achieved."
