17 Apr 2025 Patient and Family Stories

A Sense of Calm: Janet’s Journey with The Kirkwood

At 70 years old, Janet Waite from Gomersal has found unexpected comfort and peace during her stay on The Kirkwood’s In-Patient Unit. 

Living with COPD and cancer, Janet has faced many challenges with her health in recent years but she says coming to The Kirkwood has brought her a sense of relief she didn’t know she needed.

She said: “From the moment I walked through the door here, it felt like a weight had been lifted off me. I didn’t feel any pressure, just a sense of calm.”

Before arriving to The Kirkwood's In-Patient Unit, Janet says she was unaware of just how much she needed support going forward.

She explained: “When I first came in, I don’t think I realised just how bad things had gotten. I was stuck in survival mode, just trying to get through each day. But being here has really helped me.”

What has made the biggest difference for Janet is the care and attention she receives from the nursing team on the unit.

“The nurses here are just absolutely marvellous, every single one of them.” She said, “They’re always there, day or night. You ring that bell, and they come without hesitation. There’s no delay, no fuss. They just care, and you feel it in everything they do.”

For Janet, the environment at The Kirkwood feels a world away from what many might expect from a hospice.

Janet commented: “It doesn’t feel like a hospital at all. There’s no alarm, no rushing around. Everyone treats you like an equal, it’s like being part of a big family. That sense of belonging has made me feel so much more relaxed and at ease.”

Janet is keen to challenge the common misconceptions about hospice care by saying: “There’s definitely a stigma about coming into a hospice, people think it’s the end. But I didn’t see it like that. I was in a really bad way when I came here, and I just knew I needed help. And this place has certainly helped me.”

She urges anyone struggling to consider reaching out: “If you’re unsure or struggling, please don’t hesitate to contact The Kirkwood, just get in touch with them. They will look after you in every possible way. It’s not just medical care, it’s emotional and personal support. They make you feel comfortable.”

While Janet’s cancer is currently manageable, it’s her COPD that causes the most difficulty day to day: “I live with COPD and cancer. Right now, it’s not the cancer that’s giving me trouble, it’s the COPD. The breathing can be really difficult some days, especially in the mornings. But the team here understands that and they help me stay calm, which makes a big difference.”

She believes strongly in the need to keep places like The Kirkwood going for others in similar situations.

She said: “Places like this need to stay open, we need them. People need them. It’s so important that the community supports The Kirkwood through fundraising, donations, anything they can do. It means everything.”

Even the smallest touches, Janet says, have made her feel truly cared for: “I had a proper bubble bath recently and it was wonderful. Something so simple made me feel cared for and relaxed. It reminded me of the little comforts that still matter, even when you’re not feeling your best.”

Being able to see her family freely has also been a huge comfort: “There’s no set visiting times here. My family can just come whenever it suits them, and that’s been so important. They’re my support system, and knowing they can drop by when they need to, it gives me a real sense of comfort and normality.”

Janet’s story is one of resilience, warmth, and the quiet power of compassionate care. Her words offer a glimpse into the everyday moments that make The Kirkwood such a vital place for people across our community.

To help us care for more people like Janet, why not make a monthly donation to The Kirkwood where every penny counts to help us care for those people in our community with a life limiting illness. Make a monthly donation HERE and help to change someone's life.