Thames Hospice fundraising for new Hospice at Home service

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

A CHARITY in Berkshire is appealing for help fundraising as it develops one of its services for patients.

Thames Hospice has launched an appeal to help upgrade its Hospice at Home service, which aims to give patients dignity, comfort, and the choice to die at home.

It follows the introduction of doctor-led care in December last year, which allows patients with complex symptoms to receive expert care at home rather than in hospital.

While the enhanced scheme was provided with initial funding from the NHS, Thames Hospice is looking to raise £150,000 to deliver the service.

Contributions will make double the impact, as the first £50,000 of donations made before Sunday, May 14, will be matched by supporters of the charity.

Dr Patrick Clarke, a specialist palliative care doctor at Thames Hospice, said: “Our Hospice at Home Team has been providing compassionate nursing care for patients for many years.

“These patients are unwell and need specialist care for a short period, with multiple daily care visits from a multidisciplinary team.

He explained: “Previously you would only find this as an inpatient in a hospital or hospice, without the choice to be cared for at home.

“But it is where many patients want to be and often it is better for them and their family.”

He continued: “There are patients in our community who have received the shock of a late terminal diagnosis, many stuck in hospital.

“They need care and support like ours to get hem home with their loved ones and make the most of the precious time they have left.

“With our doctor-led care, patients can get a rapid discharge from hospital and set up with all the equipment and care they need within hours of referral.”

Michelle was one of the people helped by the charity with a lung disease in December