Services for patients have been the key focus for 2003/04, with the limited investment available being directed to additional staff time in physiotherapy, occupational therapy and complementary therapy. This increase in service hours will extend our services to significantly more patients and carers.

The teams have worked hard once more this year, managing to maintain excellent support to patients and their families while meeting numerous external challenges including the development of, and compliance with, many new policies required by the National Care Standards Act.

We have extended our electronic information systems to support improved communication and data protection. More than half of all staff have undertaken IT training. With more than 135 staff, we also recognised the need to have up-to-date expert advice in a time of rapidly changing employment law. We have engaged the support of a human resources firm, securing cost-effective employment advice as well as support in developing HR policies and standard practices across all staff groups.

Celebrating Success
We have received the Queen’s Jubilee Award for services provided by our 450 volunteers (one of only six hospices in the country to be so honoured). The volunteers are the backbone of the hospice, with a wide range of experience to share, along with great enthusiasm and commitment. It is fitting that their dedication is now publicly recognised by this very prestigious award. You will see the ‘Unsung Heroes’ logo on our literature in future.

Future Plans
Work continues in developing a business case for the redevelopment of the north wing, to be called the Therapies & Training Wing, which is currently dilapidated and partially used for storage. This would provide significant benefits for patients, carers and staff, with more therapy and counseling rooms as well as new teaching areas.

NHS Funding
Work with the local Primary Care Trust has resulted in a new form of agreement, a Service Level Agreement, which covers the next three years from April 2003. Despite a significant additional sum being allocated nationally by the government in support of palliative care, the NHS contribution to our overall running costs in 2003/04 is still only 15.6%, with the national average at 28%.

National Initiatives
To ensure that the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice is playing an active part in the development of hospices nationally, I have worked closely with the national charity, Help the Hospices, in taking forward several key initiatives such as Hospice Connect. The latter project will ensure that all hospice clinicians are able to access and contribute to the NHS clinical electronic health record as it comes on-stream next year, enabling our clinical teams to communicate easily and quickly with their colleagues in the NHS, to the greater benefit of patients.

I send my warmest thanks to all the committed Phyllis Tuckwell team, staff and volunteers, who continue to provide the highest quality palliative care services to patients and their carers. Thanks must also go to the many in our community, both individuals and organisations, who support us; without your backing we could not continue.

As we approach our 25th Anniversary, we hope you will join us in the many special events of the coming year to celebrate past achievements and a vibrant future.

Kim Archer
Chief Executive

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