Tracy Kinsey from Hanmer and the owner of the Border Garage in Whitchurch was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022. His journey has been challenging, with numerous hurdles for him and his family to overcome. However, with the help and support of staff at Nightingale House Hospice, he has noticed a remarkable difference.
Tracy was diagnosed with prostate cancer without displaying any symptoms in 2022 after consulting the doctors about a trace of blood in his urine. He said, “The doctors got me in straight away and sent me to Urology for further tests. After all the test results came back, it was confirmed I had cancer. I had to start chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which also involved having some hormone treatment first.”
Struggling with the side effects of his cancer treatment, the staff at Nightingale House recommended some services that could help him. Tracy explains how the support he has received has made a difference: “I found out we could self-refer to Nightingale House Hospice to access additional support. The whole team has been amazing! I was willing to try anything to help me manage the Peripheral Neuropathy in my hands and feet and the hot sweats I was experiencing.
“Before I started having Acupuncture and Reflexology, I was wearing the same pair of shoes for 6 months. I couldn’t feel my feet due to Peripheral Neuropathy, and walking was hard. I can now feel my feet after a series of acupuncture and Reiki treatments. And the effects are starting to last longer and longer. I feel more confident to walk. I am very grateful for having the opportunity to use the free services here. It has helped me both physically and mentally.”
Supporting People in the Community
Talking about her husband’s experience, Nikki Kinsey shared, “You tend to think that a hospice is just there to help people with cancer. Coming here for Tracy’s treatment, we have discovered that they help people with other conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease, Heart Failure, and other life-limiting conditions. Until coming here, we never knew about the vast number of services and amazing facilities offered to people for free at the hospice. Nightingale House has been the most positive part of this journey we have been on!”
Clinical Services and Patient Flow Lead Paula Pritchard discussed how Nightingale House supports people in the community. “We were deeply touched by the opportunity to assist and support Mr. Kinsey during his challenging time. Unfortunately, he is not alone in his struggle. We often hear from families unsure of where to turn, especially when dealing with multiple specialists. Our compassionate Patient Flow Team (01978 316 806) is readily available to follow up on advice calls, provide guidance, or directly connect with community teams involved in patient care.
“At the core of our mission lies a commitment to fostering collaborative care. Our primary goal is to deliver exceptional palliative care for patients and their families when they need it most. Thanks to public support, Nightingale House Hospice continues to grow stronger. We will always be here to offer assistance, signposting, guidance, and care.”
For more information, get in touch with rachelle.mclachlan@nightingalehouse.co.uk. To keep up to date with the community, click here.
