Patient praises Cardiff Hospice nurse Lauren

A patient who has received care from a nurse at the centre of a Cardiff Central station fundraising campaign has described her as “the epitome of a highly professional palliative care nurse”.

Nurse Lauren James, who works at the Marie Curie Cardiff and the Vale Hospice, is at the centre of a campaign asking people to “Join Team Lauren” to fund a Marie Curie Nurse like her for the next two years. 

Over 8 weeks, commuters can see major advertising boards in the station replaced with pictures of Lauren – who recently shaved her long locks off to raise money for the charity. 

Marie Curie and Exterion Media, who the charity have partnered with, are hoping  that the campaign will provide an engaging experience for commuters as they travel through the station and prompt them to find out more about the work that Marie Curie do. 

Now, one of those Lauren has recently cared for, Stephen Cox of Rhiwbina, has spoken about how he feels about the care he has received at the hospice in Penarth. 

“Lauren is always pleasant, polite and very caring – it is plain to see that,” said the 65-year-old, who this year became a grandfather. 

“She is the epitome of a highly professional Marie Curie palliative care nurse.

 “The care I have had in the hospice has been fantastic.  Whenever I fill out the survey, I always give it a 10 out of 10.  They will do anything for you.”

As well as being an inpatient, Steve – who is living with COPD and emphysema - has had hypnotherapy within the day therapy unit to try to help him sleep.  

He was diagnosed with the conditions 5 years ago, after having chest infections and complaints.

“I was still working, still playing golf and I was still fairly active,” he said.  

“But what they told me was, I was living on borrowed time.  I just fell off a cliff!

 “I’ve been involved with the CRRU nurses (community respiratory resource unit) and with the George Thomas hospice too.  

“I’m finding that in the community, including Marie Curie, it’s very, very linked up.  It’s absolutely superb.”

Stephen is now receiving care and support at home, which also includes a volunteer from the Marie Curie Helper service. 

Lauren, who provides care to terminally ill people and their families, shared her thoughts about being the face of Marie Curie in her home city when the campaign launched last month. 

“Being up on a billboard is very surreal but I feel so proud to represent Marie Curie and our wonderful nurses,” she said. 

“When I was asked if I would like to be part of the campaign I thought it was a great platform to promote Marie Curie. I have seen first-hand how many people do not have access to terminal illness care and Marie Curie want to change that and I am passionate about being part of that change. 

“Everybody has the right to a good and dignified death.  We are able to be there for people in perhaps their darkest moments. We can give people the right medications, the correct support and the best care. 

“Marie Curie want to reach as many people as possible and this is what this campaign is about; reaching people and shining a little light into the darkness. Terminal illness will affect practically everyone at some point. I hope this campaign enables us to be a light for many, many more people.”

The takeover will continue for 8 weeks, during which Marie Curie will be at the station, providing commuters with information about the charity’s services and encouraging them to make a donation. Marie Curie is looking to recruit 600 supporters to fund a nurse like Lauren for up to two years. 

 

 

About Marie Curie

 

Please note – we are now called ‘Marie Curie’ (not Marie Curie Cancer Care)

 

Marie Curie – care and support through terminal illness

 

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading charity for people with any terminal illness. The charity helps people living with a terminal illness and their families make the most of the time they have together by delivering expert hands-on care, emotional support, research and guidance.

 

Marie Curie employs more than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, and with its nine hospices around the UK, is the largest provider of hospice beds outside the NHS.

 

For more information visit www.mariecurie.org.uk

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