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.
“But these patients are extremely unwell and need specialist care for a short period, with multiple daily care visits from a multi-disciplinary 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 last year.
She said: “This service is really good because you can still be at home and still have all the professionals there to help you.
“Without the Thames Hospice doctors treating me at home, I don’t know where I would have been.
“I was so scared but the Hospice team were there for me – Thames Hospice is like family to me now. I’d be lost without them.
She explained: “Some people want to be cared for in the Hospice, and some people don’t or can’t– giving them the choice to be in their own home is really good.”
Thames Hospice has been providing inpatient and palliative care in the Thames Valley area, free of charge, for more than 35 years, and is funded by charitable donations.
For more information, or to make a donation, visit: thameshospice.org.uk
