When my Nana was diagnosed with terminal cancer in July 2012, she attended a hospice- initially during the day to access support. They offered her full person care- taking into account her physical, psychological and spiritual needs.  She was later admitted to the hospice where she died a most peaceful and dignified death.  The support the hospice provided to my family and I both pre and post bereavement was immeasurable. 

Fast forward a few years to now where I have been working in palliative care for over 5yrs. It is a privilege to work with patients and their loved ones at this very difficult time in their lives. Everyday I see how beneficial these services are to the people that access them.  Day in and day out, I witness the impact.....the services are soooo valued!!!

Contrary to popular belief, people do not just come to a hospice to die!!! And its' not only people with cancer that access the service either! Services are available for anybody with a life limiting illness (motor neurone disease, COPD, cancer, heart failure, multiple sclerosis, chronic kidney disease, dementia........the list goes on!) Royal Trinity Hospice provides among many other services:- 

Respite- to enable carers and patients to take a break and recharge their batteries

Inpatient stays- Over 40% of patients that are admitted to the inpatient unit will come for symptom management and return home or to an alternative place of care to spend more quality time with loved ones. We also look after patients at the end of life ensuring that they are treated with the upmost dignity and respect as they die and ensuring their loved ones are supported throughout

Community support- We understand that most people want to remain at home for as long as possible with the majority preferring to ultimately die at home.  We also appreciate that attending appointments is very energy consuming, particularly towards later stages of disease.  As such, we have a specialist team consisting of nurse specialists, doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and psychological/spiritual support services that will visit patients at home to ensure they and the people important to them still have access to the support and they require.

Outpatient services- For those that need support and are still well enough to travel, we offer outpatient appointments at the hospice.  This means patients can access 1:1 support to help manage symptoms associated with their conditons.  Sessions can include fatigue management, breathlessness management, pain management, complementary therapy, gym sessions and more.

Interesting fact: People can bring their pets in to visit on the inpatient unit 😊

Sooo all of this and more...completely free of charge? 

"As it should be, we pay for it already" many of you would say! 

WRONG ❌️

Hospices are NOT funded by the government or NHS!

They are charities and the services provided are run mainly on the kind donations and support of the community. Will sound clichè but every pound donated really does help!!!

Please help people to live before they die!

Every pound will help another patient and their loved ones along one of the most difficult journeys they will ever travel.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and support for such a wonderful, necessary establishment💕😊