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Wolverhampton hospice helps fulfil father's final wish to die at home
Overview
A Wolverhampton family shares how Compton Care's Virtual Ward service enabled their father, Tony Wilbrey, to spend his final days receiving specialist palliative care at home before his death from oesophageal junction cancer. Published during Hospice Care Week, the story highlights the hospice's home-based support services and efforts to update perceptions of palliative care.
Key points
- Tony Wilbrey expressed a final wish not to die alone in hospital after being diagnosed with oesophageal junction cancer.
- He was supported at home by Compton Care's Virtual Ward service, which provides specialist palliative care in patients' own homes.
- His daughter, Tracy Lester, praised the compassionate 24-hour support provided by nurses, doctors, and paramedics.
- Compton Care's chief executive, Rachel Overfield, noted that the organisation is working to challenge perceptions by showing that palliative care is not restricted to a hospice building.