The flickering flame stands out immediately upon arrival. If the candle in the corridor at Hospice Dignitas burns, you know: a guest has died today. And that candle, it burns more and more in Hoorn.
Guests stay in a hospice for less long, he says Heidema. “The hospital is being treated for longer, sometimes the staff in the hospital does not see that the dying phase has already started or the doctor does not dare to say that someone will die. We were on average 21 days, that is now sixteen.”
‘Very special to see’
And so more and more people stay on an annual basis. Hence the strong wish for expansion, preferably in or around Medemblik. “That way you get with other hospices, such as in Westerland or Den Helder, to a good total number of beds.”
Ingrid Heidema is speaking, now for nine years director of the so far only hospice in West Friesland. A ‘mini society’, as she calls it. “It is a fantastic mix between paid healthcare professionals and volunteers who are committed free of charge. That is very special to see.”
‘Love and warmth’
That image was recently endorsed by the 76-year-old Margriet. She came to Dignitas to die. “It sounds strange, but It’s a party To be here. You will be surrounded here with so much love and warmth. I could never have imagined that. “