Autumn 2011 North Devon Hospice newsletter

news For supporters and friends of North Devon Hospice

Autumn/Winter 2011

Issue 36

look inside for

Welcome Angela

Something for you

Something special

Light Up a Life

“An amazing day”

Azey, Doreen and Clifford enjoy the ‘Something for you’ day held at Deer Park Thank you

being there for all the family

‘Something for you’

Dear Supporters, Welcome to North Devon Hospice’s Autumn/ Winter 2011 newsletter. Thank you for taking the time to read what’s inside and finding out what has been happening over the last few months.

We were pleased to recently welcome Rachel McCarty as our new Director of Care. Rachel will concentrate on maintaining the already high standards of care we offer, as well as expanding our services in the future.

When planning what services we offer, it is imperative that we listen to the voices of the most important people involved – the patients, families and carers who we support. In the last 6 months there have been many adaptations to our services, following on from recent feedback exercise we conducted, including the popular ‘Something for you’ day.

Based on the needs of our patients, our aim over the next two years is to take services further into the community. While we already have community-based teams, we want to offer even more care and support closer to home. This offers greater comfort and independence for patients, and is especially important in our predominantly rural area.

memory

boxes.clay.felt hanging s.creative writing.dvd making.photography

The idea started with a conversation between some hospice patients. A young father was concerned that his 7 year old would find it difficult to remember him.

An older woman then talked about how her grown up daughter had asked her to make a book about her life story so that she could share this with her own children. Much was said about leaving letters, poems, keepsakes for those left behind; how it would be nice to do this but how easy it can be to put off what is full of emotion, not quite knowing what to do or how to go about it.

In response we held a special event earlier this summer called ‘Something for you.’ Patients were able to come to Deer Park and work with various artists to help create something beautifully unique, that they could give to family or friends.

Thank you for supporting North Devon Hospice.

Your future support will also be vital if we are to achieve this major goal. I look forward to embarking on this journey together.

In what was a truly uplifting day, patients were supported to express themselves through creative writing, producing gorgeous pottery, taking photographs and recording heartfelt dvd messages for their loved ones. Beautiful memory books, felt hangings and textile bookcovers were carefully crafted and personalised for someone special.

Gordon Lester, Chief Executive North Devon Hospice

Patients left the hospice that day with a unique memento to give to those close to them, and it was a pleasure to make that experience possible. A huge thank you must go to all the staff and volunteers who helped in many different ways and to the local artists who freely gave their time and creativity to make the day truly special.

W

E ARE DELIGHTED TO INTRODUCE our new Director of Care, Rachel McCar ty. She takes over from Richard Kane, who has retired after 8 years of dedicated service to the hospice.

Rachel will be overseeing the care we provide at North Devon Hospice, ensuring the highest standards are maintained, and she says she is looking forward to continuing the good work of her predecessor. “Richard clearly did a great deal for the hospice and helped to develop some exceptional

“ It is a pleasure.....to help maintain these exceptionally high standards and grow the care and support offered to the community.

Community Nurse Specialists services,” said Rachel, who has nearly 30 years nursing experience, including managing care teams and being responsible for patient safety and quality of care. “It is a pleasure to follow in his footsteps and to help maintain these exceptionally high standards and grow the care and support offered to the community.”

Rachel is overseeing the Community Nurse Specialists, the Community Palliative Care Service and the Bedded Unit.

The 13-strong team of nurses provide specialist care, advice and support to patients and their families in their own home, or other care setting. They travel the length and breadth of North Devon, and last year made nearly 6,000 home visits.

The Bedded Unit Sometimes symptoms can be a little too complex to be treated at home, so a stay on the Bedded Unit may be beneficial. From a purpose built unit at Deer Park, we provide 24-hour specialist care to help bring symptoms under control.

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Community Palliative Care Service Roaming Support Workers provide skilled and practical palliative nursing care and support for people who wish to stay in their own home for the last few days of their life. During the night, when symptoms can be more prominent, patients, their families and carers are supported.

132,000 IS A VERY BIG NUMBER, so it may surprise you that this is the number of hours given by North Devon Hospice volunteers, during last year alone!

In recognition of this incredible support, it was a pleasure to welcome over 150 of our volunteers to Deer Park over two special afternoons this summer. It was a chance to thank them for their amazing commitment and to also keep them in the loop about the latest goings on at the hospice.

Chief Executive Gordon Lester gave a presentation about the exciting future of hospice services and how volunteers have a crucial role to play as we move forward, paying tribute to the work of every single volunteer.

Their contribution can be seen throughout all aspects of our work.

Our volunteers continue to be appreciated in administration roles, throughout all of our shops, through the support and care provided to patients and their families, and helping with our fundraising efforts, among many others.

If you are interested in volunteering with North Devon Hospice in any capacity, please get in touch for an informal chat with Hazel on 01271 347226 or email hazeldyson@northdevonhospice.org.uk

A day in the life of a Care Volunteer, Lucy Warner “ I’ve supported the hospice for a number of years, having lost both

my mum and my aunt to cancer. I took part in fundraising events like Nightwalk, but felt I wanted to give more so becoming a volunteer was the next step for me. I’ve been a volunteer with the hospice for about a year. I started off helping out on the Bedded Unit, and now I also lend a hand in Day Hospice.

9.30am: A typical day helping in Day Hospice will start with laying up the dining room before the patients arrive. We also have a quick briefing with Maggie, the Day Hospice Nurse, who tells us who is coming in and she can also let us know about anything we should be aware of.

10.30am: Our patients start to arrive, with some coming on the minibus, some being dropped off by their families and volunteer drivers and some driving themselves in. We make sure they have a nice cup of tea and some biscuits and we’ll often spend time together chatting, reading the papers, doing a puzzle or whatever each person prefers to do. Either one to one or in groups, our chats varying from worldwide news to jokes, stories, memories and good recipes.

12.30pm: Volunteers help serve lunch to the Day Hospice patients which is always freshly cooked and delicious! It’s nice for all of us to share a meal together.

1.30pm: After lunch, there is a bit of clearing up to do for the volunteers. There are plenty of activities for the patients to do in the afternoon; the art room is equipped for most crafts, some people even take a stroll in the beautiful gardens.

3.30pm: Our patients start to leave the hospice and it’s often nice to meet family members who might come to pick them up or the friendly minibus drivers. We like to think they feel welcome as part of the hospice.

4.00pm: We have a quick debrief with Maggie to chat about how the day went. Although I sometimes feel I haven’t done much physically, I know just being there to offer a listening ear and moral support is really important to our patients.

I find it really fulfilling to volunteer for the hospice and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone. There are so many different ways in which to help out there really is something for everyone. I feel that if I have been able to make someone smile, or bring something different to their week, then it is all worthwhile.

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Volunteer Awareness Day

AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, a lot goes on behind the scenes at North Devon Hospice to make sure patients and families receive the best possible care.

Have you visited our Occasion Wear Boutique in Barnstaple yet?

If not, you are missing out on all sorts of beautiful clothes, available at a snip of the original cost!

The shop has now been open for more than 6 months, and has accumulated a fantastic selection of smart clothes for every occasion - from par ties and weddings and everything in between.

Bridget Knowles, Head of Retail at the hospice, said that the real beauty is how often the stock changes. “We are getting fabulous items in all the time, and so you never know what you will find.” she said.

“I’m delighted with the quality and variety of items we have, and there is something for everyone. We have very dapper suits and tuxedos for the chaps. For ladies we have prom dresses, party frocks, evening dresses,

wedding dresses, mother-of-thebride outfits and a whole range of accessories including hats, shoes and jewellery.”

Many of the clothes are designer or high quality labels, and this is the perfect opportunity to pick up a really smart outfit at a fraction of the price, whilst also helping to support the work of North Devon Hospice too.

21 St Georges Road, Pilton, Barnstaple, EX32 7AS 01271 327827

hope to create a really warm atmosphere for everyone at Deer Park and food is a really important part of that. On occasions like this, we help to create a comfortable environment so that the health care professionals feel welcome and are able to get down to the important business of planning patient care.”

However, something that Deer Park has really become known for is the amazing food. Our catering team create wonders for every occasion, whether it is a delicious Pam added, “What we do is often behind lunch for those attending Day Hospice, or the scenes, but on a daily basis there are a round of sandwiches things that make for relatives visiting a you smile and We hope to create a really patient on the Bedded feel proud to be warm atmosphere for everyone here. It can be the Unit. simplest thing such at Deer Park Recently, they helped as baking a birthday to create a warm welcome for over 50 cake, or cooking something special for a health care professionals who came patient who can only eat certain things. to the hospice for a special open evening.

It’s very rewarding, and we’re all thrilled to Doctors, Nurses and Social Care workers play our part in the life of the hospice.” were amongst those who attended, the aim to further strengthen our relationships so together we can provide the best care possible to patients and families across North Devon.

An event such as this is of great impor tance to the hospice, and Pam Saunders, our Catering Manager, said the team were happy to play a role on nights like this and many other occasions. “We

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Education For the benefit of every person touched by a life-limiting illness, we believe in making a difference by sharing specialist knowledge and skills.

This year, in partnership with the Northern Devon Healthcare Trust and sponsored

by NHS Devon, our education department facilitated 90 taster sessions and 12 study days for health and social care professionals working across North Devon. Head of Education, Paula O’Rourke said “The study days and training sessions aim to equip professionals with enhanced skills, knowledge and confidence when working with patients diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, and with their families.”

Ever mindful of the importance of working together, Paula said “As health and social care professionals, we don’t work in isolation, we are very much part of a bigger team. Providing learning opportunities in end-of-life care is very important to help professionals and in continually improving the care and support available to our patients.”

A new calendar of education opportunities will be available for 2011-2012 and health and social care professionals can book by following the education link on www.northdevonhospice.org.uk

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From left: Chairman, Angela Webb and Vice Chairman, Barbara Bollom

goodbye John . welcome Angela

A

ngela Webb has become our new Chair of Trustees, following the retirement of Dr John Womersley.

Ilfracombe GP John, was a trustee since 2004 and the Chairman of the board since 2008, giving over 8 years of dedicated service to the hospice. He said “I have found it very worthwhile and fulfilling and I personally gained a lot from being involved with such a professional and compassionate board of trustees.” John’s contribution to the hospice has been appreciated by all. His successor Angela Webb said “I must also pay tribute to my predecessor John, who led us with such distinction for the past three years. His input has been invaluable and we will miss his insight and good humour!”

Angela is looking forward to the challenge of being in the chair and explains what trustees do for the charity, “At the hospice, the group of trustees take decisions on the strategic future of the charity. We have a wonderful Chief Executive, supported by amazing staff and

volunteers, and they make sure that all the day-to-day work is taken care of and that we are providing top quality care to patients and families. So the trustees make Best wishes John, sure that the from all at the hospice hospice is heading in the right direction and is sustainable in the future.” Angela added “It’s an absolute privilege to be the Chairman for such a vital local charity.”

Trustees come from all walks of life and give their time and expertise to help steer the hospice. If you would like to find out more about becoming a trustee, please contact: Angela Murphy on 01271 347202, email angelamurphy@northdevonhospice.org.uk

LAST WINTER OUR TEAMS MADE A

mammoth effort to keep the Bedded Unit running; walking in from far away and even staying at the hospice night after night to make sure we still delivered the highest possible level of care for our patients. In amongst the snow and ice, we welcomed several families to the hospice on Christmas day, so they could spend time with their loved ones who were being cared for on the Bedded Unit. Our Doctors, Nurses and dedicated volunteers created a warm and welcoming atmosphere so every family could have as normal a Christmas as possible. Our community nursing team were able to stay in touch with patients, either over the phone to give support and reassurance or some walked to visit patients who lived close by to ensure they had everything they needed during the bad weather.

We know what a difficult time our patients, their families and the those left bereaved can go through at Christmas, so we do all we can to help make their time as comfortable as possible.

By making a donation to North Devon Hospice, you will be helping us to care and support local families this winter. You can make a donation by: • Posting a cheque made payable to North Devon Hospice to Deer Park, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX34 0HU • Call us (during office hours) on 01271 344248

Light up a life this winter From all at North Devon Hospice, thank you for your support and we wish you all a peaceful Christmas.

Or, you can make a donation in remembrance and celebration of a loved one. Their name will be included in the Light Up a Life ‘Book of Remembrance’ and a candle lit in their memory over the Christmas period.

• Visit www.northdevonlightupalife.org.uk • Post a donation using the Light Up a Life leaflet • Call us (during office hours) on 01271 344248

Thank you

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH

£

£ £ £5,000?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH £5,000?

A LUXURY HOLIDAY? A CAR? THAT HOME IMPROVEMENT YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED? North Devon Hospice is giving you the chance to win an amazing £5,000 in our new FAB5000 Prize Draw. The winner will be drawn at Barnstaple’s lighting of the lights ceremony on Sunday 20th November.

Mike Penny, Lottery Manager at North Devon Hospice, said that the FAB5000 is a great way for people to support our essential work in the community. “From just £1, it is a great chance to help the hospice and also stand a real chance of winning the big cash prize,” he said. “This is a very important part of our annual fundraising, and by taking part, you’ll be making a real difference to the lives of people in the community, so please do get in touch to get your name in the hat.”

To buy tickets: • Call Mike on 01271 347217 • Drop into any North Devon Hospice shop • Call into the hospice at Deer Park, Newport, Barnstaple.

Contact us at:

If you have tickets, please ensure they are sent to North Devon Hospice by Wednesday 16th November ready for the draw.

T: 01271 344248

North Devon Hospice Deer Park, Barnstaple North Devon, EX32 0HU

info@northdevonhospice.org.uk www.northdevonhospice.org.uk Registered Charity No. 286554

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