Welcome to the St Barnabas House Blog

What to expect when visiting a hospice

We want you to know what to expect when visiting St Barnabas House, and hopefully settle your nerves.

Working with our artist in residence

"Art is all about enjoying something and having a sense of ‘yes I can’, not ‘I can’t’. It can be very empowering. The art room is all about giving you time and skills when you might feel like everything else is taken away from you."

Meet Betty – the service dog putting a smile on everyone’s face

Each visit to a hospice patient is tailored to their needs. Some of our patients and family members might want to have Betty visit them in their room to cuddle and fuss over her.

It’s your time to be selfish

"When my Dad received his terminal prognosis in March 2020, I didn’t want there to be a single word left unsaid to him."

The importance of our patient gardens

We try to encourage nature as much as possible into our gardens, people often comment on how lovely it is to look out their windows and see and hear wildlife.

How does research inform hospice care?

Participating in health care research helps us develop, improve, and provide the best quality of care to our patients and their families.

Art and storytelling at the hospice

" I have often heard ‘I can’t paint, I can’t draw’, and that may be the case, but it does not mean you are not creative. Everyone has a story to tell"

Beryl’s story

"A lot of people find the hospice to be a very happy place, including me. It’s a place where you can learn new things, where you can meet people, share your troubles, but also share your happiness."

Nina’s story

"At the beginning there were lots of dark days, but thankfully they’re getting fewer. I know that if I knocked on St Barnabas’s door tomorrow and said I was struggling I’d be invited in and offered counselling."

Margaret’s story

"Thanks to the hospice, I look back on the last few months of Mum’s life as a gift. With help to keep her comfortable at home, I could spend quality time with Mum – as her daughter, not her carer."

Chrystabell’s story

When one of the nurses recognised Ted from when he sang and entertained in the St Barnabas Day Hospice she said, “This is such a privilege, to be able to give something back to him for all he gave to us.”

Audrey’s story

"I admired Audrey so much, her ability to keep her strength and dignity throughout her illness was an inspiration."