"Forever grateful" - District Nurses' compassion for palliative patient Maurice

Our Lytham District Nursing team have been praised for their compassion in supporting palliative patient, Maurice, arranging for him to spend precious time with his beloved birds.

Throughout his life, Maurice has had a deep passion for birds of all varieties. He enjoyed a long career working with birds, including at Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) and has also published books on the subject.

Unfortunately, due to the progression of his condition, Maurice is living in a local care home and can no longer enjoy observing birds in their natural outdoor environment.

Recognising this important lifelong interest, the District Nursing Team explored an alternative way to bring this experience to him. With approval from Maurice’s family, the care home, and senior management within the Trust, they approached some local bird owners to ask whether they would be willing to volunteer their time and bring their birds to visit Maurice.

Two volunteers kindly brought a selection of birds from their collections to the care home, including lovebirds, parakeets, budgies and a chicken. The District Nursing team attended the visit alongside the bird owners. Maurice was able to spend time in the lounge, listening to the owners talk about their birds and enjoying the opportunity to see them up close. The visit was also enjoyed by other residents within the care home, creating a memorable experience for all involved.

Maurice’s daughter Louise said: "I just wanted to say a big thank you for arranging for the birds to come and visit my Dad. He enjoyed it and it was the most alert I have seen him for a while.

"It was lovely to have all the District Nursing team present who have cared for Dad. Nothing has ever come close to anything like this for my Dad. I will never forget this experience and lasting memory you have provided for us and I will be forever grateful. I can’t thank you enough".