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We care for 500 in patients and make more than 5,000 home visits a year.
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Patients enjoy a snake encounter
14 October 2009
Patients got close to nature and handled snakes when a reptile enthusiast gave them a talk and for one patient it was the chance to fulfil an ambition to touch a snake.
Don Jones, a transport manager, shared his interest in snakes and reptiles with day hospice patients and he brought in his pet corn snakes Bo and Derek.Don has kept reptiles including lizards, snakes and spiders for about 15 years and has studied them.
During his talk to patients he explained that there are three indigenous snakes to the UK – grass snake, viper and European smooth snake. He also spoke about their eating habits, that they shed their skin when they grow or to fight parasites and about venomous snakes.
Don said: "I love reptiles and I’m pleased to have shared my knowledge with the patients, many of whom have said how calming and therapeutic they found handling the snakes."
Patient Kathy, whose son works with snakes, said: "I’ve never handled a snake before and have always wanted to so really enjoyed the opportunity. You don’t expect to come to the hospice and see snakes, but it was therapeutic and all part of the excellent care I’m receiving."
Kathy added: "I think Saint Francis Hospice is wonderful, I was quite down before I started receiving care and support, but the staff and people have really made such a difference and I’m happier. The medical team have allayed a lot of my fears about the unknown and I benefit from speaking to other patients as we share our experiences and how we cope with our illness."
Another patient John commented: "It was the first time I have touched a snake and it was an amazing experience. Saint Francis Hospice offers so much, not only with the practical care and emotional support but all the extras like the complementary therapy and the talks we have in the day hospice."
If you have an interest, such as a craft, playing music or hobby that you would like to share with patients as one of their activities when they visit the day hospice please call 01708 753319.
