St Luke's Newsletter Autumn 2020

Autumn 2020

St Luke’s News

We need you more than ever...

Keep calm and carry on P3 | Light up a Life P9 | So much love... P14

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A heartfelt hello to all our wonderful friends, Since our last newsletter so much has changed for all of us and, as we start to face the future here at St Luke’s, I would firstly like to take the opportunity to say thank you.

Contents

Thank you for all of your kind messages of support, generous donations, offerings of PPE… and for just always being there for us. You are so kind-hearted and your thoughtfulness has overwhelmed us. We count ourselves so lucky to be part of such a wonderful community.

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Always at the end of the phone

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Make a Will Week

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Light up a Life

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Our services during lockdown

P12 It's a Christmas Cracker!

P14 So much love...

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Christine's Story

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Day Hospice looks to the future

Throughout lockdown, our Inpatient Unit has remained at full capacity. Our tight-knit family of staff have pulled together and through incredible displays of teamwork, unwavering dedication and solidarity, have ensured that our patients continue to receive the extraordinary care that St Luke’s has always been so proud to provide. In this edition of our newsletter, we have hopefully given you an insight into what we have been doing and what your support has meant to us during this time.

As we look towards the forthcoming weeks, months and years, we are under no illusion that our future still holds many challenges.

We hope that you can stand with us and continue to show your support in these uncertain times.

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e have tried very hard to maintain a ‘normal’ working approach over the last few months, making sure that the care we delivered was the highest quality as always - 'keep calm and carry on' as they say…

A huge challenge was not seeing our patient families, not being able to form the same relationships face to face from when their loved ones were admitted.

This was so alien to us and is very much a part of our approach to the care we deliver every day.

Our goal was to support people feeling isolated, keeping empathy and compassion at the heart of everything we did.

Adapting, we built the relationships instead via the telephone and use of technology. A lot of our communication is non-verbal, it is seeing the person, using touch, holding hands, giving a hug and being with our patients at all times.

Liz, In Care Ward Manager

Liz Freeman How to contact us 22

Keep calm and carry on...

St Luke’s Hospice, Grosvenor House, Queensway, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 1BH T 01606 551246 E enquiries@slhospice.co.uk www.slhospice.co.uk

Having to apply visiting restrictions in order to keep everyone safe during the pandemic was awful, knowing that our patients and their loved ones just wanted to be (and should have been) together. Families that we were

supporting put such trust in us to communicate well and ensure they were kept informed constantly.

PPE must be so fearful to some patients, not being able to see the face of the staff. Not able to see the smile and empathy as well as sadness on our faces, and those of their families. It just didn’t feel right…

Living in the moment became my day to day mantra, making sure we were following the correct guidance from the government which was constantly changing, adapting our work and ensuring everyone’s safety.

I feel this time brought us all together as a team, not just the clinical teams but also as a ‘whole team’ across the Hospice. Our supporters have been wonderful from donating PPE, giving donations and even delivering pizza and cakes!

Working differently has helped us appreciate even more the value of the ‘caring role’ that we deliver to patients and their families.

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Always at the end of the phone T

he past months have shown us all that there is an overwhelming need for support when it comes to mental health and wellbeing, now more than ever. The whole world is currently facing challenges they never thought they would in their lifetime.

Our goal at St Luke's has been to remain a pillar of strength to those who need us, with our counselling and spiritual care teams continuing to support patients and their families, fuelled by the determination that Coronavirus will not stop them from offering comfort and strength to those who need it most.

Our dedicated teams offered vital support via telephone or video link to over 130 people from their own homes.

Team Manager Chris Jackson took a moment to reflect on her experiences: “Everyone we have spoken to has been so grateful to have someone to talk to and connect with, especially those living on their own. We have heard some difficult stories where people are in their final months and can’t be with their family,

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together to continue to provide the outstanding care that St Luke’s has always strived for.

You have saved me, you have saved my life!

Angels don't always have wings.

I appreciate you calling at this difficult time.

in particular their children and grandchildren, which is so upsetting for them.

"Our main focus throughout the pandemic has always been to ensure that we can continue to support all of our families, finding a way to deliver our services effectively.

It has been strange in that we, as counsellors, are also experiencing the impact of Covid-19 on our own families, whilst at the same time supporting others through their own experiences, such as home schooling, deaths and the impact of what has been happening on the news.

"There have been days where we have felt exhausted, working online and having conversations over the phone rather than face to face can be tricky – but we have all pulled

"Working together as a team has been crucial and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved. It can be frustrating at times as it takes longer to do things when you are working remotely - technology can be very temperamental! Not being able to connect with everyone in the same way has been tough on both sides, the lack of human interaction and finding a confidential place to talk freely have made things very hard.

I always feel better when we have spoken.

We'll get through this together.

"However, the fact that we have been able to continue our work has been fantastic. It has enabled creative ideas to enhance our service and we have had the opportunity of being able to reach more people in the community.

"My biggest worry now is about the survival of our wonderful Hospice and being able to continue our work. Our community now faces the test of adjusting to a ‘new normal’, and dealing with the impact that Covid-19 has had on their mental health and wellbeing.”

To find out more about the help available from our Family Support and 5 Counselling Team please visit www.slhospice.co.uk

Your lasting legacy F

or over 30 years, St Luke's Hospice has relied on the kindness and generosity of you, our loyal supporters, so that we can continue to offer care and comfort to patients and their families at a difficult time in their lives.

By leaving a gift to us, you would be entrusting a lasting legacy of compassion, reassurance and dignity - supporting our nurses in providing exceptional care and giving comfort to the loved ones left behind.

Over the last few months, we have received gifts from people who chose to remember us in their Will many years ago. They could never have imagined what is happening in our world today - and will never know how much it would come to mean to us here at the Hospice, that they thought of us at that time.

Of course, making sure that your loved ones are provided for will be at the top of your list - but if St Luke's is one of the causes close to your heart, and if you are able, please remember us in your Will too.

Generous gifts of all sizes over the years have helped ensure specialist, loving

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By leaving a gift in your Will, you can help to safeguard our future services. Any amount, small or large is so valuable to us, and will be put to excellent use through our dedicated work. Every penny really does count and a significant part of our income is received from small legacies.

Leaving a legacy to St Luke's won't cost you a penny during your lifetime, but it will be a powerful way to be remembered by others in the future.

If you have any questions about leaving a gift in your will, please contact us on 01606 551246 and we can discuss your options with you in more detail

e know first hand just how important having an up-todate Will is, irrespective of your age or health. It allows you peace of mind that your estate and belongings are distributed according to your wishes.

We understand that nobody likes talking about death and dying, however none of us know what the future holds - and having plans in place offers that bit of reassurance.

From 19th - 23rd October, local participating solicitors have agreed to waive their entire fee for Will-making in return for a donation to St Luke's.

Below is a list of local solicitors supporting us during the week.

To book an appointment please contact them directly, making sure to mention St Luke's so that you are allocated the correct slot.

Take care of the people you love and join us in making a Will this October.

You can find a list of participating solicitors at:

www.slhospice.co.uk/willweek

The suggested donation for a Will is ÂŁ100 and money raised throughout the week will come directly to the Hospice, helping to support patient care.

To take part in our Make a Will Week or to find a full list of participating solicitors 7 please visit www.slhospice.co.uk/willweek

A virtual hug on its way to you, from all of us!

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he last 6 months have brought about many challenges for us all, however one of the most difficult things we have all had to endure is the lack of physical contact with our loved ones.

Even Prince Charles shared in his interview with Sky News that whilst he had been making video calls to loved ones it was no substitute, “you really just want to give people a hug” he said.

Nothing replaces our human power of touch and connection with each other. Here at St Luke’s we are a ‘huggy’ bunch and we really miss being able to give a comforting cuddle to our patients, families and our colleagues.

Every day we see the benefit of a simple touch, a reassuring squeeze of a hand, and we have all heard about the “laying on of hands” - the supposed healing power of touch.

There's no magical healing force in the human touch, but it actually can be comforting and soothing, and put us in a better positive state when we are feeling poorly or in physical or psychological pain. So we wanted to send you this ‘virtual’ hug from us

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all at St Luke’s and also a little list of self-care activities as we have been thinking of you during this time.

Feeling overwhelmed and anxious is a natural response to everything that has been happening, and self-care and mindfulness are just two ways to look after your mental and physical health.

Just 5 minutes of simply focusing on your breathing and doing something for yourself each day can make the world of difference and help your coping mechanisms.

We have put together a self-guided video with the help of Andrew in our Spiritual Care team. It is a 5 minute break out of your day, which we hope you will enjoy. To watch the video and read our self-care tips please visit www.slhospice.co.uk/mindfulness

moments of reflection...

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oin us from the comfort of your own home for our Light up a Life service on Sunday 6th December.

on all that has happened and to take a moment to think about those we hold dear, or those we miss.

Each and every year, we have gathered outside the Hospice in memory of those we have loved and lost, and taken the time to remember the treasured moments they gave us... our beautiful tree sparkling in the winter evening, with each light shining for someone special.

If you choose to dedicate a light, you may wish to receive a Light up a Life at Home pack which allows you to reflect on your precious memories at home and at a time that suits you. The name of your loved one will also be entered into our Book of Memories alongside the names and dedications of others. The Book of Memories will be published on our website so that you can view the names of the people you are remembering.

Although things will be a little different this year, we know how important and special it is to do something in memory of someone we love. Our guided service will be about ‘Moments of Reflection’, as we have learned over the past few months to value the simple things in life, this year more than ever.

We want to take the time to reflect

We may not be able to gather together in person this year, but know that we will be thinking of you from afar as we light our tree here at the Hospice, and sending our love and comfort as always.

You can dedicate a light at www.slhospice.co.uk/lightupalife 9 or call 01606 555826

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The Great Hospice Pudding Day It's a Christmas Cracker!

You could win up to £2,000 just in time for Christmas!

With tickets priced at just £1, our raffle is a fun and easy way to raise money for St Luke's. Plus every ticket you buy gives you a chance of winning amazing cash prizes!

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning some cash this Christmas, please return your raffle tickets in the envelope provided or send to: St Luke's Christmas Cracker, St Luke's Hospice Promotions Ltd, Queensway, Winsford, CW7 1BH. Alternatively, you can enter online now at:

www.slhospice.co.uk/raffle 82p from the sale of each ticket goes directly to patient care, 10p is used for prizes and 8p is used for administration costs.

1st prize £2,000 2nd prize £1,000 3rd prize £500 and 15 runner up prizes of £10!

Terms and conditions:

The raffle will take place on Friday 11th December 2020 as part of our weekly Lottery draw, with the prize structure changing for that week only to the prizes listed on the raffle tickets.

There is also the chance to win our Rollover Jackpot which is a minimum of £200 but could reach up to £2,400.

The likelihood of winning a prize is a 1 in 2,157 chance, however the patients and families we care for win with every £1 ticket bought.

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e pride ourselves on amazing events and so we are very excited to announce 'The Great Hospice Pudding Day' - a very special sponsored run, walk or toddle with a twist, offering you the brilliant combination of both a live and virtual event all created to raise funds for patient care.

Here's how it works...

Sign up and take on a 5 or 10 mile run or walk with a Christmas Pudding theme or set your own challenge distance and means of 'travelling' - perhaps a bike scooter or rollerblades?

Choose one of our planned routes on Sunday 13th December at a time to suit you - or set your own route and date!

Find out more online at:

www.slhospice.co.uk/pudding It's going to be amazing and the proof is in the pudding!

(average figures based on Christmas raffle 2019).

1212 Enter our Christmas Cracker of a raffle online at www.slhospice.co.uk/raffle

To find out more about The Great Hospice Pudding Day and to sign up online visit 13 www.slhospice.co.uk/pudding

So much love...

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www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk ver the past few months, you, our wonderful supporters, didn't forget us...and for that we would like to say a big thank you. Here are just a snapshot of people who kept St Luke's in their hearts and minds...

Messages of support for our Hospice don't get much bigger than this! Michael Baddeley Transport decorated one of their wagons with St Luke's logo and web address to encourage people to donate to the Hospice. The tanker is 10 metres long - so was hard to miss!

Jonny set himself a challenge in January to give up alcohol for an entire year for St Luke’s. He also performed back garden gigs for his Facebook followers during lockdown in return for donations. So far Jonny’s fundraising efforts have raised an incredible £2,500!

One of our youngest supporters, 8-year-old Nicole from Winsford, set herself a challenge for St Luke's in honour of the 75th anniversary of VE Day. She completed a sponsored cycle ride of 75 miles in aid of the Hospice.

Nicole's mum Amiee said: "Nicole is such an active child and wanted to use some of her energy in lockdown to do something great!"

A young family in China helped supply our nurses with protective masks and gloves. The PPE was donated to St Luke's by Nantwich company Stunic Ltd, but the items were sourced in China and shipped to the UK by the owner's son and daughter-in-law who live in Jiaxing.

Julia, a nurse from Crewe, was kept busy during lockdown dealing with calls for the NHS service, but in her spare time she also volunteered as a befriender for St Luke's. From baking and delivering bread, to video or phone calls, she made sure the people she befriends didn't feel too isolated or lonely.

Another huge thank you goes to Rik Brownhill from Middlewich and Mr Nicholson from Middlewich High School who both kindly made and donated supplies of reusable face shields to the Hospice. Our nurses on the Inpatient Unit were extremely grateful for such a kind gesture.

There was no rest for Dylan during lockdown! Our young supporter from Crewe set himself the challenge of running 50 laps of his garden every day for 30 days to raise money for St Luke's - that's 1,500 laps! Dylan's mum, Claire, said: "St Luke's is close to our hearts and Dylan wanted to raise money to help people. I am very proud of his determination."

Jon is the resident chef at The White Bear in Middlewich and is the Pie Making Master! During April he made dozens of yummy pies and sold them in return for donations to our Hospice. The White Bear are long term supporters of St Luke's and we are so grateful.

Over 100 mums took part in an online fitness challenge raising a fantastic £2,560 for our Hospice! Local fitness company 'Fit for Life Mums' in Hartford organised the workout sessions. Sally Clarke from Hartford, who took part in the event said: "It's vital as a community we support each other and this was such fun!"

Mornflake Mighty Oats helped to fuel our patients and hardworking nurses during lockdown. We were delighted to receive a generous delivery of porridge oats and cereal, which kept spirits high and tummies full!

With restaurants, cafes and pubs closed, our Trading Manager Steve Holmes decided to launch a Cookery Club - sharing recipes such as creamy mushroom pasta, spicy bean brunch and his trademark fish pie. The club was free to indulge in, but donations in return for Steve's top tips were gratefully received!

Over in virtual Tibet, Team Healey embarked on their quest to climb 'Mount Everest'. Mum, Dad and their four children climbed their stairs a total of 2,450 times to reach the 'summit' and raise money for our Hospice. What a great idea!

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Christine's story R

etired healthcare assistant Christine Barrett attended Day Hospice just three times before the country went into lockdown – but she says the continuing care and kindness of the nurses and staff has had a big impact on her and her family in the months since.

The 67-year-old who suffers from COPD was referred to St Luke’s by her respiratory consultant after she suffered pneumonia. Recalling her first visit to Day Hospice, Christine said: “My daughter came with me and when we got there she got very upset and started crying. The nurses were just amazing, the Sister came over and said to her ‘You come with me’ and she took my daughter off for a little chat. They’ve offered her counselling to help her learn to accept what is happening and they’ve also said that they’ll support my grandchildren too.

You’ve got to have something special to work in the nursing profession, but you’ve got to have something extra special to work at St Luke’s! The nurses are just amazing, nothing is too much trouble.

Christine, who worked at Leighton Hospital for 20 years, has been 1616

Our Day Hospice looks to the future...

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ever ones to shy away from a challenge, our nurses in Day Hospice are adopting new ways of working to ensure they can continue to provide vital support for patients, carers and their families in the months ahead.

Our CEO Neil Wright hand delivers a care parcel to Christine during lockdown

supported with regular phone calls from Day Hospice. Our nurses liaised with her GP to ensure she could continue to receive the best care at home. At one stage Day Hospice nurses organised a GP visit when Christine was very unwell which helped to avoid a hospital admission. They have also given her practical advice and coping skills to help with symptom management.

Christine has also been helped by St Luke’s Benefits Adviser Jill to access the financial help she’s entitled to.

Christine explained: “I didn’t think I’d be entitled to anything but Jill called me during lockdown and we have sorted it all out over the phone. She’s been brilliant and I am so very grateful.

It’s just taken that pressure off me and given me a bit of security.

“Coming to St Luke’s is one of the best things I have been put forward to do. I’m looking forward to coming back to Day Hospice as it re-opens.”

In March, when face to face support was no longer possible, Day Hospice launched a new telephone care service to enable nurses to support patients in their own homes in the only safe way that they could. Due to its success, the telephone care service is now being extended so that patients and carers can receive an even wider range of support in their own homes.

This includes guided relaxation techniques for sleep problems and anxiety from our complementary therapists; practical advice from our occupational therapist; and help from our social workers and benefits advisers.

Face to face sessions are now being reintroduced with the addition of

Day Hospice Nursing Manager Clare Wolff welcomes back patients

Wellbeing Days at the Hospice. To allow for social distancing, a set number of patients will be able to attend for one day a week for a period of eight sessions.

Nurse led complementary therapy clinics have now re-started in Winsford and at our Winterley Grange site near Sandbach. Whilst we have had to adapt some of our therapies such as massage, our skilled therapists will also be using the power of the spoken word for therapies such as guided relaxation, breath work, Mindfulness and Reiki.

Day Hospice Nursing Manager Clare Wolff said: “It is so important to us that we are able to expand and enhance the support for all our patients and carers.

Now, more than ever, finding new ways to reach out to our communities.”

To read more about the changes to our Day Hospice services and to watch a video 17 tour please visit www.slhospice.co.uk/dayhospice

Help our Day Hospice

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e know that this is a big ask, when many people across the county are facing their own personal challenges. But without St Luke's, so many people every year would not receive the care and support they need. We know we are asking for your support at such a difficult time, but we’ve simply been left with no choice.

Please help if you can so that we continue to rebuild our services to reach more people and continue our existing services each week.

Our Nurse led therapy provides emotional support from the moment you are diagnosed with a life limiting or life changing condition. This may include coping and adjusting to life with a diagnosis, support during treatments and with advancing disease.

Our Wellbeing Days provide support and care to help manage symptoms. They support people to gain confidence at home and help maximise quality of life.

Many people value the support of meeting with others in a similar situation, and families feel confident knowing their loved ones are in a safe environment.

These are only two of over 11 services we run for local people from our Day Hospice. In an uncertain world St Luke’s needs to continue helping people now and for the future, please help be there for those who need us most.

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Help us provide this service by donating £8 the cost of a 30 minute telephone guided relaxation session.

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A whole day of therapy in the Hospice can be provided to our In Patient Unit and Day Hospice for up to 6 patients for £95.48. If you were able to donate this amount we would be most grateful.

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We have a skilled team of nurses who work within our Day Hospice setting could you help by donating £17.30 to support a nurse to provide an hour of nursing care.

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All our Day Hospice furniture must now be wipeable. Can you help support the purchase of new wipeable riser recliner chairs? If 20 people were able to kindly donate £63.05 this would help us replace and renew our equipment for this vital service.

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www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk

Thank you

for your continued support

www.facebook.com/stlukescheshirehospice www.twitter.com/StLukesHospice www.instagram.com/stlukescheshire

2020

Grosvenor House, Queensway, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 1BH Registered Charity No. 515595

T 01606 551246 E enquiries@slhospice.co.uk www.slhospice.co.uk

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