The message of this year’s Hospice Care Week, ‘This Is What It Takes’, explains the huge amount of commitment, dedication and determination it takes to provide world class hospice care to patients and their families and carers.
The national week, which is organised and co-ordinated by Hospice UK, runs from 7th – 13th October. Local charity Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care, which provides supportive and end of life care for patients and families who are living with an advanced or terminal illness, such as cancer, in West Surrey and North East Hampshire, is keen to help share the message about what it takes to provide the care it offers.
“We believe that Hospice Care is vital care, and our staff and volunteers are really passionate about providing that care to local patients and families,” says Tony Carpenter, Director of Marketing & Communications at Phyllis Tuckwell.
Over a year, Phyllis Tuckwell provides 135,000 hours of nursing care. Its housekeeping staff clean 31.3 miles of corridors on its In-Patient Unit, and its Hospice Care at Home team drive 60,000 miles, visiting patients who have chosen to spend their last days and to die in the comfort of their own homes. It sends 866 tweets, runs 644 Living Well sessions, and gives 1,080 counselling sessions to its patients and their families. Its volunteers give 120, 835 hours of their time, its supporters donate 93,600 bags of stock for its shops and it receives on average 70 legacies, which fund the care of 1 in 5 of its patients.
“It takes a lot to provide Hospice Care,” continues Tony Carpenter, “but it’s worth it, because Hospice Care transforms lives. It helps manage pain and gives comfort. It holds hands and offers support. It lets people know that they’re not alone, and it’s there for patients, families and carers.”
Find out more about the care which Phyllis Tuckwell provides HERE
