Hospice fulfilling vision to end postcode lottery for terminally ill in north west Wales
ST DAVID’S HOSPICE is fulfilling its vision to end the postcode lottery for terminally ill patients in north west Wales.
The Llandudno-based charity merged with Hospice at Home – Gwynedd and Anglesey last year to form one integrated organisation delivering first-class palliative care and support for patients and their families across the region.
With a rebranding exercise taking place, and with plans for a satellite hospice in Holyhead close to fruition, St David’s is close to realising its goal of cutting down travel times for people needing quality end of life care.
Chief Executive Trystan Pritchard and his team are working to unite rural communities behind the new-look charity, which is celebrating 20 years.
“One message we want to make clear is that Hospice at Home – Gwynedd and Anglesey is now part of St David’s Hospice and all future donations made to St David’s Hospice will benefit the whole organisation to ensure that the most appropriate services are available for patients in their own local communities, including those using Hospice at Home.
“It is a crucial service and has not been replaced or closed down but re-established in a bigger, stronger organisation delivering palliative and end-of-life care to those who need it most in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy.
“Our vision remains the same, and by joining forces and taking a more strategic approach to respite care in north west Wales we can make strides toward even better services.”
He added: “Our nursing teams and patient and family support services are incredible; they make a huge difference to the lives of more than one thousand people every year in the community and the same goes for our many volunteers and fundraisers.
“What we are trying to do now is harness that goodwill, dedication and energy and channel it toward creating the best possible environment for patients in the future.”
St David’s Hospice plans to open the first ever four-bed inpatient hospice on Anglesey before year end. There are also discussions for a unit in south Gwynedd in the future.
Jayne Emsley, Lead Nurse for Specialist Palliative Care (West) at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, says the merger was a “massive bonus” for communities in north west Wales as they and the third sector continue to build on the joint ventures and good work carried out over the years.
“Hospice at Home – Gwynedd and Anglesey has been providing great work in the area for 27 years, and with St David’s Hospice celebrating its 20th year there is a lot of history and support from many families and fundraisers in this region,” she said.
“Anglesey and Gwynedd have had access to inpatient hospice beds in Llandudno, but this is a significant distance to travel for many, so the developments are a big step and a massive bonus for what is a vast geographical area requiring different models of care.”
Jayne added: “For the general population it is important to have access to specialist inpatient beds and this satellite hospice unit in north west Wales will complement current services.
“People in the area have witnessed the positive input Hospice at Home has provided over many years and as specialist services evolve, including this work with St David’s Hospice, improved access to specialist care across the geographical area will have a positive impact on choice for patients and families, which can only be a good thing.”
For more information, visit the website: www.stdavidshospice.org.uk