“I will shout my praises for this hospice from the rooftops!”

Derek recently stayed in our specialist in-patient unit, and wanted to show his gratitude for the amazing experience he had at the hospice.

“My name’s Derek Ackroyd. I’m from Stokesley, and I’ve been visiting this hospice for a week and have had the most marvellous experience filled with friendship. The people here can’t do enough for you, and I will shout my praises for this hospice from the rooftops!

Everything in this place, I can only describe it as excellence. Every person does everything they could possibly do, to make your visits comfortable. The doctors are unbelievable, and mine is Doctor Dean. I couldn’t wish for anyone better, he’s a doctor that goes out of his way to make sure you are feeling good. 

The work they have done on me when I came in here, soon put me back on my feet again. As far as my illness is concerned, I have Salivary Duct Cancer, which is a very rare cancer. I have dealt with my cancer treatment, but found out that it wasn’t working.

I was really poorly, and was always put off coming to stay in the hospice, because I didn’t think I was bad enough to be here. But then it got to the point where I knew I needed to come here. 

Everybody has a stigma about hospices, and they think if you go in, then you don’t come back. But it couldn’t be further from the truth, because if they can get you back out, they will do that for you.”

From 2023-2024, our in-patient unit cared for 150 patients just like Derek, ensuring they received the highest quality care that they needed, to help get them home.

Our goal is always to support our patients in managing their health and returning home whenever possible. From 2023-2024, our in-patient unit provided specialist care to 150 patients just like Derek, focusing on their well-being and facilitating their journey back home.

“The nurses work backwards and do everything for you to make sure you get back on your feet and feel better to go home. There’s always something to do - we recently had a strawberry afternoon tea with a singer, and the events they put on are great. There’s gardening clubs, social groups and more that we can go and visit to talk to people. We like to get together and discuss our own problems, because a problem shared is a problem halved. 

Everything you can think of, you can get it done here. It’s just such an unbelievable place.”

We take referrals from GPs, Consultants, hospital staff, Macmillan Nurses, Community Nurses and other Specialist Nurses. If you feel you may benefit from our care, please talk to one of these healthcare professionals, to find out how we can support you and your loved ones.