Birmingham Hospice is celebrating five years as one hospice after two historic hospices merged in 2021, expanding on the specialist palliative and end of life care the two organisations delivered to people across the city for over 100 years.
The organisation was formed in 2021 when two hospices with more than a century of care between them came together; John Taylor Hospice in Erdington and Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice in Selly Park.
It later rebranded as Birmingham Hospice, bringing its services together under one name while continuing its shared commitment to compassionate, specialist care.
Over the past last five years, the hospice’s Inpatient Units (IPUs) at Selly Park and Erdington have welcomed over 1,790 patients, providing expert care, comfort and support when it is needed most.
Former nurse Fiona Place, 55, has personal experience of what Birmingham Hospice does.
Fiona spent her working life caring for others, having worked for the NHS since she was 17. But her life changed overnight when she was diagnosed with cancer and told she would need palliative care.
“I went to see the oncologist and was told by doctors that there was nothing else they could do, and they referred me to Birmingham Hospice,” said Fiona.
“I’ve got great support from family and friends, but my diagnosis was definitely a shock to the system. I had to retire from nursing because of the pain caused by the tumour.”
Fiona was first supported at home by Clinical Nurse Specialists from Birmingham Hospice’s Community Team, who provided expert advice, symptom management and reassurance.
When she became too unwell to remain there, Fiona spent several weeks in hospital before moving to Birmingham Hospice’s Erdington Inpatient Unit, where the team has been helping to manage her pain and make her more comfortable.
Her care has also extended beyond managing her symptoms. Following a lengthy period in bed, physiotherapists from the hospice’s Therapies Team have been helping Fiona rebuild her strength and regain some independence.
“The hospice is a very calming environment; everyone’s full of empathy with a smile on their face and you can have some banter. Everyone’s so lovely here and they have time to talk to you. Everyone treats the patients with respect and care.”
Despite having spent much of her life working within the NHS, being cared for by the hospice has given Fiona a new perspective.
“You always think cancer will never happen to you, but it has, and I have to deal with it. Birmingham Hospice helps you to come to terms with it and to cope with it as best you can. I’ve worked for the NHS since I was 17 but it’s opened my eyes to what is available for people.”
Cover photo is of Staff Nurse Lucy Witchell.
Photo credit: Dave Warren/Picture Team
B31 Voices is run by volunteers and is committed to supporting communities across south west Birmingham and surrounding by keeping them informed and engaged. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Bluesky, Mastodon, Threads, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Support us by donating at www.b31.org.uk/donate. Send us local story ideas to hello@b31.org.uk