Wife of a former St Raphael's patient speaks out (From Sutton Guardian)
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Wife of a former St Raphael's patient speaks out
7:40am Monday 7th May 2012 in News By Sophia Sleigh, Reporter
Aileen is a member of the craft group at St Raphael's Hospice
As the Give Your Quid campaign raises vital funds for St Raphael’s, the wife of a former patient has spoken out about the important work of the hospice.
Aileen Harvie, 82, has been a member of the craft group at St Raphael’s Hospice since last Autumn.
The Hospice@Home team looked after her husband Richard, 88, for a year before he died last April.
After two heart attacks earlier in his life, Mr Harvie was diagnosed with vascular dementia.
Mrs Harvie said: "Physically he couldn’t do anything.
"I couldn’t cope – it’s difficult when you’re elderly yourself. At the end he was bedridden.
"Two nurses came in twice a day to wash him and change his clothes. They would come in and sit with him so I could go out. I could ring St Raphael’s Hospice at any time for help and assistance."
Mrs Harvie said Margaret Dolan, the Hospice@Home co-cordinator at St Raphael’s Hospice was "wonderful in every way."
She said: "I knew I could talk to her about anything I was worried about.
"She came to visit [Mr Harvie] several times and liaised with the doctor. I was more than satisfied with the help St Raphael’s Hospice gave me. They were my link to the outside world. A nurse was with me when he died."
Aileen and Richard were married for 60 years and have three children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Mrs Harvie said: "I want to put something back.
"Not sit around and do nothing. I come to St Raphael’s Hospice twice a month to make things or I’ll make items at home and bring them here."
She is still a member of the craft group and said: "I’ve always done this sort of work. My mother was a dressmaker and tailor with her own business.
"Everyone has welcomed me here – the craft group has given me a purpose.
"St Raphael’s Hospice is a marvellous place. I think it’s important to support your local Hospice."
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