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Making Christmas special for people facing incurable illness

St Helena Hospice tries to give as many people as possible a precious Christmas in the knowledge that it could be someone’s last Christmas, or the Christmas they never expected to have with their loved ones.

It will cost £30,000 to run St Helena’s services on Christmas Day for the people it supports at home across north east Essex and at the Hospice in Colchester. Nationally hospices across the UK, including St Helena, are preparing for a collective multi million pound shortfall. But as the local community grows, St Helena Hospice is needed now more than ever, and urges the community to help to raise vital funds to provide excellent, high-quality care, this winter.

Staff and volunteers at St Helena Hospice work day and night throughout the festive period to help patients make extra special memories with their loved ones. The Hospice remains open over Christmas, and SinglePoint continues providing 24/7 support throughout.

Niamh Eve, Hospice matron, said:

“At St Helena Hospice we think Christmas is a very special time for our patients and families, and we try to do everything we can to make it special for someone celebrating in any way they want to.

“This year we've had a reindeer visit the Hospice just to bring a bit of light and humour for people, and we make sure there are presents for people.

“If someone wants to go home, we will try to get them home for Christmas. If we know someone may be too poorly for Christmas, then we will bring it forward for them so they're able to enjoy it with their family. 

“Christmas can be a hard time for anyone and obviously it's not going to be an easy time while you're at the Hospice or poorly at home but we do everything we can to try and make it special and peaceful for people.”

St Helena’s SinglePoint phoneline is available 24/7 for patients, families and carers at home across north east Essex to call for help and advice throughout the festive period.

Diana Woodward, a SinglePoint call handler, said: 

“We pick up the phone every day and night, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and over New Year, helping families through this time, making their life easier, supporting them.

“Sometimes people ring up over Christmas and they think they're bothering us, but they are not. We are on shift ready and here to support them and help them through whatever they're going through 24/7; that's what we're here for.”

Ross Chirgwin, a clinical nurse specialist, is one of the SinglePoint rapid response team on shift over the festive period. Ross said:

“Although our patients are vulnerable all year round, Christmas time is sometimes a point where people need more support because it can be quite a difficult time of year anyway, especially to lose a loved one. 

“Christmas always seems to feel worse when there is something going on, so it’s reassurance to people that they can call us and know they've got someone they can speak to in regards to their concerns.”

At the Hospice in Colchester, staff and volunteers try to make the atmosphere as homely as possible for patients who are admitted. The catering team are busy preparing a traditional roast and vegan Wellington for patients and their visitors. Collette Jones, one of the Hospice chefs, said:

“It could be someone’s last Christmas so we try to make it so they can spend it with their family enjoying delicious homemade food with all the trimmings and festive crackers.” 

The domestic team has decorated real trees, which were donated by Fred Smith Christmas Trees, adding a little extra sparkle around the building. Staff nurse Beth Swallow said: 

“At Christmas, it's a little more magical with everyone's families here. We have Christmas carols and all the pretty lights outside, and the wonderful smell of Christmas dinner. It just gives a little bit of hope and makes it a special time for our families at the Hospice.

“My favourite thing about being a nurse here is getting to know the patients and their families, as here we get that extra time to spend with them to hold their hand and give the care and the compassion they deserve.”

Deputy sister at the Hospice, Samina Haig-Earle, added:

“We have lots of fun decorating and it just feels really cosy and so pretty. It's a symbol that this is a home from home environment and that we understand it's a really difficult time for families and patients, and for some it may be their last Christmas.

“As seasons go on, days go on, events like Christmas happen and we need to try and encourage patients and families to feel included in that still, even in illness and sickness.”

For information about any St Helena Hospice service and to refer yourself or a loved one for support, visit www.sthelena.org.uk/refer or call 01206 890 360. To donate to the Last Christmas appeal visit www.sthelena.org.uk/lastchristmas23

Image: nurse Samina
Image: clinical nurse specialist Ross
Image: chef Collette
Image: matron Niamh
 

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