Man thanks nurse for help to lead ‘semi-normal’ life

A PALLIATIVE care nurse from Binfield Heath has been praised for nearly three decades working for the Sue Ryder charity.

Hazel King, clinical team leader at the Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire, has been providing palliative and end-of-life care for 27 years.

The hub, based in Crowmarsh, supports those in Henley and surrounding areas who are living with a life-limiting illness or grief.

Ms King trained as a nurse 45 years ago and moved into palliative care 18 years later. One of the patients she has supported is Michael Russell, 74, from Binfield Heath.

Mr Russell lives with bronchiectasis, heart failure and skin cancer and received occupational therapy and physiotherapy from Sue Ryder’s hospice at home team.

He was able to regain enough strength and independence that he no longer needs ongoing care from the charity.

Mr Russell said: “I had been going downhill for a couple of years. I’d gone from nearly 14 stone to about six stone, four pounds. I was so weak. I was on permanent oxygen and in bed for most of the day. It was a real struggle. We were given a choice of Sue Ryder, a nursing home or community-led palliative care, and we chose Sue Ryder because I would rather be at home.

“I got lots of help from Sue Ryder every day. The occupational therapist did a full assessment of my equipment needs, so I have a perching stool, a stool for the shower and a set of wheels to help me outside. I had an electric bed and lots of different equipment delivered.”

He said the “brilliant” support from Ms King and her team allowed him to “keep going” to support his wife, Brenda, who is severely sight disabled and unable to drive.

Today, Mr Russell no longer uses a home oxygen concentrator, occasionally using a portable oxygen cylinder to aid breathlessness.

He said: “I can get up now and clean my teeth and shower with a little bit of help. I had thought it would be one way for me, but now the days of taking morphine every day are long behind me.

“It’s being able to live a semi-normal life again. Sue Ryder doesn’t just come in and pay lip service — they really care about your welfare.”

Ms King said: “It means a lot to people to be able to stay at home in their final days, especially to those with complex needs who might never have thought it possible.

“It’s amazing to be part of the expert team that can make it happen.

“The role of a Sue Ryder nurse goes beyond the medical care we provide but includes emotional and psychological support too, guiding families and patients through one of the hardest journeys they’ll ever take.

“We support them to give care on how to cope at the point of death and after.

“Whether it’s making sure patients have the right equipment or finding space for a medical bed, we always do everything we can to make their final days as comfortable as possible.

“You have to remember that families are inviting you into their homes at a vulnerable time. It’s not something we take lightly — it’s an honour to be trusted in that way.

“People often say to me that it must be a very stressful, sad job but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Of course, there are difficult times, but we are a supportive team and there are smiles and laughs with the people we meet. It’s the best job I’ve ever had.”