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Sad news, rock bottom and renewal
''It always seems impossible until it is done'' - Nelson Mandela
After 2 years working at Leckhampton Court Hospice I am really sad to share that Complementary Therapies are no longer being funded by Sue Ryder as part of their palliative care. The redundancy process has been a shattering, all consuming experience and was distressingly fast. If you saw me looking unwell, dishevelled and distracted in March that is why. It triggered grief on all levels - for my Mum who was cared for at Leckhampton Court, for all the people we supported who are no longer here and for our current patients who will miss the support they receive from us. It has taken me to edges I thought were healed and broken me wide open. I am emerging now the process is over and I am officially no longer employed. I am so grateful for all that we were able to do to help people over the last two years. I love Leckhampton Court and my colleagues there. The woods have been a sanctuary and will continue to be a place I visit.
I know it's hard to hear news like this. I expect you may feel emotional for me and for the community we served. I've been so quiet about it still because it's painful to talk about and I don't want anyone to feel upset on my behalf. Decisions needed to be made about where finances could be prioritised and Sue Ryder's work providing end of life hospice care is vital. The underfunding of palliative services by the Government is the greater issue. Hospices only receive one third of their funding from the NHS to cover operational costs and have to make up the shortfall from public donations. Services like complementary therapies are seen as a cherry on top by funders but to patients and families they can be a safe harbour in the relentless storm of a life limiting diagnosis or impending death.
In a recent enquiry published by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) they described hospices as ''facing a funding cliff edge from April ''. 25% of adults receiving palliative care in their last days do so in acute hospitals which is costly and can be distressing for the patient and their families. People can end up marooned in hospital due to a lack of community care and despite making advanced care plans. Sue Ryder want to ensure more people die in the place of their choice and the only guaranteed funding from the NHS is for clinical care. It's very sad to no longer be part of Sue Ryder's package of care but there is all the more need for me to continue offering support out in my community.
If you know anyone in Gloucestershire in need of support for a life limiting diagnosis I have created this PDF to signpost them to support organisations that are there to help. Good support and social connections have such a huge impact on health outcomes.
Change by Donna Ashworth
My friend, when change threatens to whip the rug from under your feet, or push you out of your comfortable bubble ... Face it
Look change right in the eye and let it know that you have been changing every day since the day you were born and you will do so until the day you die
And you may not be quite ready for this particular change yet but you're not afraid
Because you have done this many times
Change got you where you are now
And look how far you've come. |
