Serving Aldershot, Camberley, Farnborough, Farnham, Fleet,  Frimley, Godalming, Guildford, Lightwater and Yateley England in affiliation with the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. Sixteenth Annual Chairman’s Report Oct. 2009 I am delighted to introduce the sixteenth annual report of Hospice Home Support (HHS) and say that the vital work of supporting seriously ill patients at home continues. The statistics for the past year are once more very impressive – we have spent over 2,000 hours with patients and been referred 88 patients 62 of whom we have been able to support. The close relationship that HHS enjoys with the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice has had positive benefits for both organisations over the years and it continues to grow and develop. Committee members involved in both services have been a feature from its inception, but the links have broadened - a good example is the regular meetings that are held between the Day Hospice and our Area Organisers, ensuring a better quality of care for patients.  One of the current aims of government is to increase patient choice.  In the context of end of life care this encompasses the preferred place of care and of death but, although studies show that most people prefer to die at home, the majority die in hospital.  The Hospice was able to further this ideal earlier this year when a “Hospice at Home” scheme was piloted whilst some beds were closed during the ward refurbishment.  HHS was pleased to support the Hospice during this venture and helping patients to stay in their own homes for as long as possible is one of HHS’s founding principles. We have started collecting statistics in a new format and for the first time can see where patients supported by HHS have died. Although it is early days recent figures reveal that 10 patients died at home, 10 in the hospice, 5 in hospital and 1 in a Nursing Home and we hope that on occasions we have enabled patients to achieve their preferred place of care.   With recent advances in treatment many patients have longer periods of disability during which they may need the support of hospice services intermittently.  Consequently palliative care services have to consider discharging patients, a process that can be difficult for patients and staff.  On occasions HHS has been able to provide continued support for patients who have been discharged, often temporarily, from hospice services.  At other times we too have to consider discharging patients and during the past year have drawn up guidelines to ensure that the process is as fair and efficient as possible. We were delighted to welcome 15 new volunteers earlier in the year – we had a fantastic response to our advertisements and the resulting training course was the largest that we have held.  This was made possible by a much greater involvement of the Area Organisers (AOs) in delivering the training; their experience on the ground contributed greatly and aided the selection process.  There have been some changes in the team of Area Organisers during the last year, Olive Elliot, who has been an AO for many years, has decided to stand down due to changes in her personal circumstances, we are delighted that she will continue as a volunteer and thank her for her hard work over many years. We are very pleased to welcome Tina Harrison as the third AO. There have been some committee changes too: we wish Margaret Hamer well as she moves to Cheshire with her husband’s job and thank her for her contribution as a volunteer and on the committee; unfortunately Jane Hey has had to resign due to family commitments and we thank her for her contribution over the past year. We are grateful to Mr Chris Bradford who has agreed to take on the task of auditing the annual accounts. The crucial work of supporting the patients is carried out by our volunteers.  A card sent by the widow of a patient supported by HHS gives an illustration of how we can help.  She describes instances of the practical and emotional help given by the volunteer, including accompanying him on several visits to choose a chair that would be comfortable for computer use, and notes how the flexibility and response to their needs made them realise the true value of HHS. She commented on a reassuring presence at the funeral and stated that these things don’t happen without an efficient organisation.  I continue to get excellent feedback from patients that I encounter in my work at the Hospice who tell me that having a volunteer really does make a difference to their lives, and from members of the Hospice community team who observe the work in practice.  The work can be difficult and demanding but I trust that it is also rewarding and on behalf of the organisation I would like to thank them all very much for their hard work and commitment during the past year. In addition I would like to thank  Volunteer Surrey Primary Care Trust who provide financial support; Surrey Heath Borough Council for the provision of office space in Surrey Heath House where we receive the support of Voluntary Services – Surrey Heath; The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice for provision of a training venue and ongoing support for HHS; Primary Health Care and Hospital Colleagues who continue to value and use our services; The Church of SS Peter and John Camberley whose facilities we use for committee meetings; and Chris Bradford for auditing the accounts. Finally I would like to thank fellow members of Hospice Home Support who make this work possible: The area organisers, trainers and supervisors, especially Lynne Loughrey our training co-ordinator; Linda Roberts, who continues to provide an extremely efficient, reliable basis for the organisation; My fellow committee members for their hard work and continuing loyal support. Dr. Margaret P Guy Chairman Return to Top Return to Top Chairman’s Report Treasurer’s Report Area Organisers Report Training Coordinator’s Report Affiliated to the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Registered Charity No. 1024866 Monica’s Website Design and Flexisoft L.L.C. www.hospicehomesupport.org.uk