St Helena Hospice supported 1,951 patients and families facing incurable illness and bereavement living in towns and villages across the Tendring district from April 2021 to March 2022.

Nicky Coombes, Hospice in the Home matron, said:

“When people think of St Helena Hospice, they often think of the building in Colchester where people are admitted for care, when in fact the majority of our patients are supported and cared for in their place of residence such as their own home or a care home.

“By visiting and supporting them and their families at home, we are helping people to make their own choices and live with dignity. Hospice care is holistic, meaning we care for the whole person as an individual, and we support their loved ones too at what is a difficult time.”

Hospice in the Home includes nurse specialists, physio and occupational therapists, family support and counsellors, and the SinglePoint team, including rapid response nurses, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week every day of the year. Additionally, the Virtual Ward healthcare assistants provide personal care for people at home thought to be in the last 12 weeks of life.

St Helena Hospice works very closely with colleagues from other local health and social care providers such as GPs, community nurses and social services, to ensure the best possible care is provided to those in need.

Ricky and Anne admit they always make the best of everything, valuing time spent together with their family and friends, even more so after Anne too was diagnosed with cancer. Anne said:

“We feel as though we've got an arm around our shoulders. Although we knew about the Hospice, we didn't know about what they did in the home; the intricacies of the actual way it works, all the good things that come. I don't feel as worried about the end, which will eventually come for both of us. I don't feel so worried about it now because I know there's this organisation that puts its arms around your shoulders.”

Meet some of the team who visit people at home across Tendring...