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Hospice marks anniversary 15 years of home care service
THURSDAY 14 MAY 2015
ISSUE 030
S
AINT Francis Hospice is marking its 15th anniversary of a pioneering service which has enabled terminally ill patients to die in the comfort of their own home. Since it first started the Hospice at Home service it has dramatically grown as more patients choose to spend the final weeks of their life at home. Last year 64% were able to die at home compared to just 33% in 2000.
The current Hospice at Home team including (centre) Tracie Brennan, Hospice at Home Manager and (third from centre, right) Julie White
Julie White, who was one of the original members of the team said: “It is less stressful for patients at home. There is no travelling to and from hospital and no restrictions on visiting hours so their families can stay by their bedside.” Hospice at Home was initially set up thanks to the generosity of lifelong supporter Margaret Helene Markus who left a £400,000 legacy to the hospice. The project was initially funded for
three years but was so successful that the hospice decided to continue it. Julie, who received a long service award last month added: “I still remain as enthusiastic now as I was 15 years ago. “The families make you so welcome and I find it very rewarding.” The health care assistants will spend three to four hours at a time at a patient’s home and this enables carers to have a much needed break.
Dr.Winifred van Rensburg
“We look after the whole family,” said Julie. “The patient is our priority but at the same time we have to look after the husband or wife as they may be struggling too with what is happening. ‘‘Some families have never experienced caring for someone they love who is dying and it is our privilege to be able to support them at this very precious time.”