How our care continues right through the festive period
North Devon Hospice's Christmas Wish appeal has seen the community donate to the cause in order to help us provide care for over the festive period.
While Christmas is a period of celebration for many, for those facing a life-limiting illness it can be quite different. North Devon Hospice can provide a light in the dark for patients and families going through these toughest of times.
We care for local people 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, not only on the hospice’s Bedded Unit but also in people’s own homes thanks to our Hospice to Home team. For those facing an illness like cancer, this support is vital. We try to make Christmas as special as possible, whether that is at the hospice or in people's own homes, helping families to create precious memories together.
Andrea Crisp, who will be working on the Bedded Unit on Christmas Day, said: “We create a homely atmosphere at Christmas time, because even though the patients and families we are supporting are facing very tough times, we can still help them create wonderful memories together. We have a visit from Santa, as well as the most delicious Christmas meal for our patients and their visiting families. It’s about making it as special as it would be at home.”
Sharon Goodwin, from the Hospice to Home team, will be visiting patients in their own home on Christmas Day. She said, “I see it as a real privilege to be working on Christmas Day, because we can help people remain at home during the festive period as opposed to being in hospital, and that is really important. I will visit four or five different homes to check that my patients and comfortable and my colleagues from the team will do the same in other homes. Of course, we do this every day and it always matters greatly, but it somehow feels even more important on Christmas Day.”
To help us provide this kind of care during the festive period, please consider making a donation to our Christmas Wish appeal here.
