Share review of St Margaret's Hospice Taunton

St Margaret's Hospice Taunton 2021-01-29 Person 5 5 0

Since referral by my consultant, Mr Merrick in November 2019, I have received excellent attention and help from Cara, at the face to face consultations and telephone calls due to COVID restrictions that I have had with her for the lymphoedema in my face and chin following major surgery for cancer in my mouth in February 2019 and previous surgery for cancer in my tongue in June 2017. The advice and exercises that she has given me have been very beneficial and the lymphoedema has greatly improved. The first mask that I was given worked well to start with but soon became too big for my face. The second mask is a much better size for me but I do find it easier to wear during the day than at night when it tends to make me feel too hot. I had an extremely good telephone conversation with Debbie yesterday in lieu of a face to face consultation due to COVID restrictions. She identified exactly my current more recent problem straight away. My tongue becomes more swollen towards the end of the day, making my speech become more slurred as if I've had one too many! I had put this down to talking too much and tiredness or the fact that I am managing to eat most things now, cut up very small but still without any bottom teeth - hopefully soon to be resolved! The video link did not work on my phone but Debbie gave me clear instructions how to do some new exercises for my tongue and also for the inside and outside of my right cheek, to practise each day, followed by wearing the mask in the evening for at least three hours after doing them. Debbie arranged a follow up call in 2 months to check how I am getting on. I am very grateful to both Cara and Debbie for their kind, caring and first class advice and help with my lymphoedema. The volunteer reception staff have also always been helpful and given me a warm welcome to the Hospice. It is a very reassuring place to visit.

There is nothing that the Lymphoedema or Reception staff could have done better.