 |
|
HOSPICE URGES RETAIL FAST FOR LENT The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice has issued a challenge to anyone looking to give up something for Lent. “Why not try a Retail Fast for Lent?” says Shops Manager Tim Osborn. “Everyone involved would have to promise not to buy anything new over the six weeks of Lent. Obviously, we would have to make some exceptions – the only new items you can buy would be food, health and safety equipment and underwear”. The idea comes from an initiative started in the USA, where a group of people in California has made a vow not to buy anything new for a whole year. They use charity shops, e-bay or simply e-mail each other to describe what they need, from a shower curtain to building materials. “This is a great way to approach Lent. It makes us think about how much physical stuff we can live without, and the way that a consumer lifestyle can damage the planet. It should also help us to understand that giving up something need not be bad - it can be the way forward to something better.” The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice has ten shops in local towns and they will all be encouraging their customers to join the Retail Fast. The shops sell clothing, books, gifts and many sell furniture too. The Hospice now costs £10,000 a day to run - that’s £7 a minute. The Hospice is not part of the NHS and relies on the public for 85p of every £1 it spends. For more information, please visit www.phyllistuckwellhospice.org.uk.
HOSPICE WELCOMED ROYAL VISITOR
The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice is the first hospice in the country to install this type of equipment, which is used mostly by patients with conditions affecting the central nervous system including motor neurone disease and brain tumours who stay at the Hospice for respite control or symptom management. “Environmental control is so important to these patients, who retain their intellectual capabilities although they lose their movement and speech,” explained Hospice Occupational Therapist, Theresa Hopwood. “Previously patients who have this type of equipment at home became more dependant whilst at the hospice. Now they can continue to control the entertainment system themselves, make phone calls, control bed, chair and the room environment, as well as retain use of a computer and the internet. “We are delighted that Her Royal Highness came to the Hospice,” commented Chief Executive Sarah Brocklebank. “The Princess Royal’s involvement will help people to understand that the Hospice is not just about caring for the dying patient it is about helping people to live as full a life as possible, until they die.” The Hospice has two part time occupational therapists that work with patients on the wards, in the Day Hospice and in their homes. They help patients to develop coping strategies to look after themselves and continue their normal daily activities. The equipment was paid for by two charitable trusts as well as a donation from the Farnham Lions club, who were generous supporters of the Hospice's 25th Anniversary year in 2004.
HOSPICE PAYS TRIBUTE TO SURREY HEATH RESTAURANT
Former Hospice Chairman Allan Smith has been involved in both events for many years and paid great tribute to the support given stating, "I would like to personally thank both Peter Lee (Dynasty) and Raf Gambardella and his fellow proprietors at Villa Bianca for their fantastic generosity and to the customers and friends for their continued support of the Hospice. To show such a commitment each year is a great testament to both restaurants and we are so appreciative to them".
The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice today responded to a report from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee which stated that terminally ill cancer patients were often not made aware of non-means tested disability benefits that they could have claimed to alleviate financial hardship. “At the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice the situation is very different. We have a team of Patient Welfare Advisors who meet every patient to discuss welfare benefits and help them to complete application forms and collate the paperwork they need. Our patients really value this service and it highlights the range of services that the Hospice offers to help patients overcome the anxieties and stress associated with a terminal illness,” comments Hospice Chief Executive Sarah Brocklebank. The Patient Welfare advisors help patients apply for disability living allowance or attendance allowance as well as other benefits and disabled parking permits; they give advice on legacies and holiday insurance or even finding a cleaner or a gardener. Hospice Welfare Advisor Claire Delaney is sure that the overall impact of the service is huge. “Since the Patient Welfare Service has been available at the Hospice, we have helped thousands of families to gain access to benefits they would otherwise have lost. Patients and their families need advice and support to negotiate the complicated benefits system and this service is vital to relieve our patients from the burden of financial worries that accompany a terminal diagnosis. While we do not offer grants to patients themselves, we help patients apply for benefits to which they are entitled. The specialist knowledge held within the team makes an essential contribution to the holistic approach here at the Hospice ensuring that all aspects of the patients’ needs are catered for.” Hospice patient, Beverley, from Frimley recalls the day when a Hospice Patient Welfare Advisor visited her at home. “She came to help me with claim forms and application forms. I was feeling really poorly at the time and I am useless with forms anyway, so it was really daunting. What a help! – She went through them like lightning – all while I was sitting at home with a cup of tea.” Local MP Jeremy Hunt commented, "I know firsthand from visiting the Hospice what an amazing place it is, and what compassionate and valuable help it offers to patients and their family and friends at such a difficult time. What makes Phyllis Tuckwell stand out is the practical solutions that it offers to improve their patients day-to-day lives, a service which other organisations should be copying."
|
|
|
