Allison Charlton spent five weeks being cared for by the palliative care team at Wansbeck Hospital
Allison Charlton (centre) had a very special visitor while receiving palliative care at Wansbeck Hospital(Image: NHS / Handout)
NHS staff in Ashington helped a Northumberland to fulfil her dying wish and see a horse for the very last time – by bringing the adorable steed to the front door of Wansbeck Hospital. Horse-lover Allison Charlton spent five weeks being cared for by the palliative care team at the hospital – and family said “her face lit up like a kid at Christmas” when staff brought the very special visitor to the hospital.
The mum-of-two from Widdrington was able to stroke the horse when it visited the grounds of the hospital, and even fed it some carrots.
Sons Jamie and John Charlton said: “She’d spoken about how much she’d loved horses to the staff on the ward. When they suggested she might get to see one in person, I don’t know how much she thought it was actually going to happen. Her face lit up like a kid at Christmas!
“It was a really nice memory for us to have. We had horses when we were kids. You can tell her face was filled with absolute joy. It was emotional for us as well to see her get that last wish.
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“Being able to fulfil people’s wishes like this makes a huge difference. It was something for her to hold onto and gave her a chance to fulfil her dream. The care she received was outstanding. The staff made our mam feel happy, safe and comfortable.”
Avril Robinson, a staff nurse in palliative medicine, said: “When we say we will make something like this happen, we will do whatever it takes. As a team in palliative care, we always try to fulfil our patients’ last wishes. It makes a huge difference to the patient and their families.
“It also has a positive impact on staff morale too. It’s a privilege for us to be involved in delivering this experience that was appreciated so much by the patient and her family.”
The idea was possible as one of the healthcare assistants looking after Allison had a relative who owned the horse.
While in hospital, a mobility scooter helped Allison to get around and retain her independence – and in this inspired her friends and family to raise the cash needed to buy a mobility scooter and donate this to the palliative care ward at Ashington.
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