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Introduction
Hospice at Home West Cumbria was set up in 1987. The concept of a "Hospice without Walls" was completely new at that time and Hospice at Home West Cumbria was one of the two organisations that pioneered the concept of providing hospice services to people in their own homes. The founders of Hospice at Home West Cumbria were adamant that to attempt to raise enough money in the West Cumbria area to build a hospice would take years and the people of West Cumbria would be deprived of hospice services during that time. The geographical area also made it difficult to find an accessible centre that would be convenient to everyone. Also national and local research had shown that given the choice the majority of people stated that they would prefer to be cared for at home.
Although a lot of local people made a big contribution to the setting up of Hospice at Home West Cumbria, the lead was taken by Dr Brian Herd, a local GP, and Margaret Dowling, a Macmillan Nurse. It was their hard work and commitment that made Hospice at Home West Cumbria a reality.
The Dowager Lady Egremont became Hospice at Home’s first president, a position she held for the next 21 years. Lady Egremont was a very active president, giving the Hospice at Home service great support, especially in its early years.
The Nursing Service
After six months of fundraising the six trustees and their supporters had raised £30,000 and the Day and Night nursing service began in September 1987. The hospice currently employs between 40 and 50 nurses on a bank who support and care for patients at the end of their lives, providing one-to-one nursing in the patients' homes. The individual patient's care needs are assessed by a Macmillan Nurse or the Hospice Nurse Team Leader. The purpose is to enable patients to stay in their own home, cared for by their family to the end of their life or for as long as possible. The care and support that the nurses give is not only for the patient but also for the family and carers, giving them time to go out, or to have a good night's sleep. Although between 60% and 70% of the patients suffer from cancer, care is not restricted to cancer sufferers only.
Medical Team
In 1992 Dr Eileen Palmer, a consultant in Palliative Medicine, was appointed as the Medical Director. Eileen, together with the Hospice Doctor, works very closely with the local GPs visiting patients in their own homes or in outpatient clinics providing specialist medical care for pain and symptom control. They also give advice and support to the hospice nurses and to the Macmillan and District nurses. The medical director is very heavily involved in teaching all members and levels of staff. The role of our Medical Director was extended in 1993 to include consultant sessions in West Cumberland Hospital.
Hospice Support
In 1990/1991 a Day Care service was started and Drop In's (now called Support Groups) were started, and since then the range of support services has grown and developed. Now specialist support is offered to individuals and families both during a patient's illness and afterwards to help cope with loss, grief and bereavement. We have a range of support services designed to help people cope with the distress that is associated with cancer and other illnesses that are progressive and unlikely to be cured. Support can be tailor made to meet an individual's specific needs if necessary, and is delivered in people's homes and at community locations across West Cumbria.
Lymphoedema Service
In 1994 the Lymphoedema Service was introduced. Clinics are held at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven and, more recently, at the Workington Hospital. Home visits can be arranged if appropriate. The service is run by two Lymphoedema Nurse Specialists. The service is predominantly nurse-led but the Medical Team are available to assess the more complex cases. Following assessment a treatment plan is initiated. Patients are then either followed up in a clinic or at home by the nurses in close liaison with the district nurses, often doing joint visits to the patient’s home. Prior to the setting up of the service the patients had to travel to Newcastle to receive the specialist treatment for Lymphoedema.
Funding and Volunteers
The hospice provides all its services free of charge no matter how long or how often the service is needed. The Hospice receives approximately one third of its funding from the NHS and the remainder, in excess of £500,000 per annum, has to be raised locally through fundraising, legacies and donations. The hospice has a committed band of fundraising volunteers, who help to organise and run fundraising events throughout the year; and assist with the running of the Charity Shops. We depend very much on the generous support of the local community, which is invaluable to the Hospice. We also have volunteers who help us deliver some of our clinical services, after comprehensive training..
Patron
In 1998, the Hospice was honoured when HRH The Prince of Wales became its Patron.
Hospice at Home West Cumbria Association
In 1991 the Hospice at Home West Cumbria Association was established. The Association was formed to enable those who had an interest in Hospice at Home to pay a small annual subscription (currently £5) and they would receive a quarterly newsletter; the annual report; be allowed to vote at the AGM; and would be eligible to be nominated and elected on to the Promotion and Development Group Committee.
President
In October 2008 Lady Egremont decided that it was time to retire after 21 years service. We were delighted that Lord Judd of Portsea agreed to take on the role. Lord Judd lives for part of the year in Loweswater.
For a more detailed history of Hospice at Home West Cumbria please click here.
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