Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity is backing Hospice Care Week by raising awareness of how fundraisers can get involved in opportunities to support patients receiving palliative and end of life care.
Hospice Care Week got underway yesterday and runs until this Friday 8 October. It is aimed at showing the wealth of support and care available to people as well as dispelling myths around hospice care.
Staff at Goscote Hospice and Walsall Palliative Care Centre will be sharing their experiences and helping patients to tell their stories throughout this week.
A year ago today, the hospice formerly known as St Giles, was delivered as an integrated service through Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust. It is housed at Walsall Palliative Care Centre in Goscote Lane, along with Fair Oaks Day Hospice and a range of other specialist palliative care services.
The hospice now sits under Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity which serves the Manor Hospital and its Community Services.
The following services are provided by the hospice within the centre:
- Management of 12 inpatient beds
- Symptom control
- Respite care
- Dedicated round-the-clock care for those who need it the most
A consultation over the agreed name for the hospice has just been launched and members of the public will be encouraged to have their say – until that time it is being informally referred to as Goscote Hospice.
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager with Walsall Healthcare, said: “The charity fully supports Hospice Care Week as it will give people a real insight into the services offered to patients and their families as well as highlight the various roles of our wonderful staff.
“St Giles is no longer responsible for the hospice but fundraising is continuing through Well Wishers. We have many families who want to recognise the support they have received, or acknowledge a particular service, and the charity is happy to help them do so. All money raised for the hospice is used to make a difference for the people who use the service and pays for things over and above what the NHS is able to provide.”
To make donations please contact the centre directly on 0800 783 9050 or get in touch with Well Wishers on 01922 656643 or fundraising@walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk
Donations can be made at the centre or at the Fundraising Hub, Manor Hospital, Moat Road, Walsall, WS2 9PS.
Cheques should be made payable to Walsall Hospital NHS Trust General Charitable fund and clearly marked for Goscote Hospice until otherwise informed.