This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Praise for hospice after 100-year-old’s remarkable recovery
31/05/2022
“we assumed that he would … be on his way. But instead he got kindness, he got help and he got better”
A former leading heart surgeon has called his father’s recovery following a stay at Katharine House as nothing short of miraculous, putting it down to the care and support he received at the Adderbury based hospice.
Professor Stephen Westaby, a world-renowned heart surgeon and author of popular books Fragile Lives and The Knife’s Edge, has thanked staff at Katharine House for their recent care of his father Ken who able to enjoy his 100th birthday last Friday (May 27) thanks to his recovery.
99-year-old Ken Westaby arrived at Katharine House for palliative care six weeks ago, after a stay at the John Radcliffe Hospital. It was suspected that Ken was suffering from Covid, and he was unable to swallow medication, liquid or food and couldn’t get out of bed or stand. His family were certain that he would not survive more than a few days.
Professor Westaby said: “He came to Katharine House, and we assumed that he would just get the care he needed to be on his way. But instead, he got kindness, he got help and he got better.
“The turnaround was so remarkable. The covid resolved itself which, in a 100-year-old patient, is extraordinary in itself, as the neurological effects can be devastating. He had lost his memory but that greatly improved. After just two weeks, he came back to us.”
“The care and encouragement provided by Katharine House were outstanding and resulted in a discharge to my home. I have no doubt that it was because of the nurses and the cheerfulness of the people around him that he started to get better. That really stimulated him.
“Nothing was too much trouble. Any little thing, they sorted it out for us. They make you feel like you are part of one big family.
“The fact that my father survived at all is nothing short of miraculous. The splendid Katherine House deserves recognition for it’s amazing work.”
Originally from Scunthorpe, Mr Westaby was a former soldier in the Royal Air Force, working on the bombers in Africa. When he left service, he went into retail and rose through the ranks to become a chief buyer at the Co Op.
He shares two sons with his late wife Doreen – both of whom are accomplished medical professionals – as well as six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Mr Westaby celebrated his 100-year birthday on Saturday with a party surrounded by loved ones and complete with a telegram from the Queen.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam