St John's Hospice

The compassion, tender care and gentleness toward my dear husband from all the staff will never be forgotten. From the moment we arrived to the moment he passed, about 14 hours later, they never faltered in ensuring he was comfortable, pain free and treated with dignity every step of the way. This care and compassion to myself also and I will forever be thankful that my husband had the chance to depart this world in such a wonderful place. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart xxx

Transferred my father from the private Wellington Hospital where we'd spent over £60,000. Was meant to give us two weeks financial respite whilst we arranged his admission to a suitable care home within our community..When he was admitted, I made it perfectly clear in the Wellington, he only needed the occasional Paracetamol..Did they listen, No!!.Instead, put him straight on a Morphine pump and also Midazolam, all done against my express wishes.His needs were complex and well managed at the Wellington without the need for strong pain relief..They took bloods daily and if needed, he was given IV antibiotics to stave off the effects of his gangrene, they also tested his haemaglobin and encouraged him to eat and drink..He was hoisted into an armchair with only paracetamol needed two days before his transfer to St John's, a decision my mother and I now deeply deeply regret.From day one, St John's catagorically refused to take bloods to check for infection which could have easily been treated with IV antibiotics, also refused to check his haemaglobin in case it dropped to a dangerously low level..In fact, they would do nothing to help this frail old man and put him on end of life care without telling his family..This would never have been done with our consent, had we been consulted!!The Doctors knew if all medical treatment was witheld, my poor father would decline, develop Septicaemia and die within a week or two..How cruel and disgusting..Because I dared challenge them, I was not consulted or updated..I asked a Doctor to transfer my father to a Hospital as a life saving move..He was obsructive and not prepared to do that.The hospice made it almost impossible to speak to my father on the phone, despite me being disabled and unable to visit him..I even sent him a mobile phone, but that made little or no difference.I was promised calls from various Nurses to facilitate a call, but this rarely happened, plus, two Nurses were extremely rude and abrupt..On some occasions, I couldn't speak to my father for over a day, and was made to feel awkward for daring to attempt to speak to him!!Communication regarding my father's treatment was awful, far from satisfactory and extremely sparse..When I asked for a Doctor, Tissue Viability Nurse etc to call me, I was never contacted without having to chase it up..In fact, I never did hear from a Tissue Viability Nurse during his stay.From day one of my father's admission, his health rapidly deteriorated as he was offered zero medical intervention..I had to make numerous complaints as in my opinion, my father was being left to die in a cruel, inhumane way!!Before he slipped into unconsciousness, he told me he was very thirsty and would I please help him!!I discovered, as he was now unresponsive and unable to swallow, was not fed...No attempt made to use an alternative method, nor was he given fluids..All this for at least eight days!!.In desperation, as I had totally lost trust in St John's, paid a carer to sit with him...Sadly, he was unconscious the entire time she spent with him.By that time, I'd had enough, spoke to a Doctor and insisted he be given fluids and moved to a hospital as this would have been a life-saving move.Sadly, it was too late and he passed away the next day due to the Hospice's utter neglect..He looked like he'd been in a Concentration Camp before he died..I was called approx 07:20 on the 15th May by a horrid (and that's being kind) Duty Manager who coldly informed me my father was close to death, and a second later, dead..I found the call highly suspicious as a person doesn't die to order..He was either found dead or helped to die..Doubt I'll ever discover what really happened!!We were not even called by St John's to inform us my father was close to death so we could be with him at the end..Instead, he died neglected and all alone.I have made a formal complaint against the Hospice and reported my father's appalling treatment to the relevant authorities..I hope he rests in peace knowing I'm fighting his corner.AVOID ST JOHN'S AT ALL COST!!

Great people working there very compassionate and providing the best support.

The staff at St John's really went out of their way to comfort both patient and family during my fathers brief stay. Way, way, WAY above what we hoped for.

Great place and wonderful staff but do not call them on the phone, because you'll never get answer....

I've been absolutely blown away and so very touched by the brilliant care my mum received here the last few weeks of her life. Each and every team member both professional and volunteer, is so genuinely caring, compassionate and professional in every detail of their roles and really made her passing every bit as comfortable, dignified, positive and special as can be with many a cheery chuckle thrown in for good measure!Always knowing the right things to say and effortlessly gauging the right approach, this heartfelt thoughtfulness and care was extended to my sister and I throughout our visits and stays here too. You really get the strong sense that the team are here because they really want to be here to help you; that it's not just a job.The facilities are wonderful; light, airy and peaceful and well maintained too.A truly special place that is inspiring me to become a volunteer. We are forever grateful... Thank you.

Until today I did not know this feedback facility existed.My ex-wife,the poet Brenda Williams ,died here on July 19th 2015.She was in the hospice for only twelve days .The care was superb and I cannot thank the staff enough.We had come to the facility many times for a meal as it was only a few minutes walk from her flat on the Abbey Road and admired the exquisite chapel .Brenda had handed me her last poem on the day before I sat with her in the transfer ambulance from St Mary’s .I intended to write and thank the matron at the time but due to complex administrative problems concerning hospital governance this did not seem possible.I shall never forget those twelve days,calling at her flat to feed her six cats on the way to the hospice.I shall never never forget sitting holding her hand.

Kind compassionate wonderful food I am blown away

Staying here for some much needed respite following illness. The staff are wonderful, the volunteers are helpful and the accommodation is first rate. Considering it is a hospice, it has changed my opinion about palliative care (for the better)