Hospice Care Week, led by national charity Hospice UK, takes place from 10 - 14
October 2022. The awareness week helps recognise the amazing work and value
that hospices across the UK bring to so many lives.

Staff at St Giles Hospice go above and beyond to ensure patients live the best life
they can until the very end. Recently, a St Giles Healthcare Assistant went the extra
mile for her patient, Malcolm Fisher, by bringing a piece of the local Whittington
Country Fair to St Giles Hospice.

Malcolm managed a quick visit to the fair and could also see what was going on from
his bedroom window on the Inpatient Unit. After hearing of his joy, Ann-Marie
decided to continue “the fun of the fair” and surprised Malcolm by bringing her horse,
Solly, into the hospice to meet him.

Ann-Marie said: “We often talk about going above and beyond for our patients and
their families, helping to make a difference in whatever way possible. This happens
on a daily basis at St Giles Hospice, but it doesn’t always involve bringing a horse on
to the premises!”

Malcolm spent the afternoon providing Solly with plenty of cuddles and a belly full of
carrots. He said: “Being around Solly really lifted my spirits, and provided me calm
and comfort in equal measure. He’s a beautiful animal – I’ve never been so close to
a horse before – what an experience – I can’t believe Ann-Marie brought him to see
me!”

Ann-Marie continued: “Being around pets and animals can have many benefits for
our patients. This activity enables our patients to escape the realities of their present
situation and offers a form of relaxation and positive distraction.”

Katie Burbridge, Director of Clinical Services and Quality, at St Giles Hospice,
added, "The ethos of hospice care is not just about caring for the clinical needs of
our patients, but also looking after their emotional and spiritual needs as well.

“We welcome dogs and cats into the hospice on a regular basis – and this certainly
isn’t the first time we’ve had a horse come to visit us! It's about making a difference to our patients and their families in whatever way we can.”

To find out more about St Giles Hospice, visit www.stgileshospice.com