Beaumond House Community Hospice, Newark, and Nottinghamshire Hospice unite to launch Forever Fund

Two hospices have joined forces to launch an appeal for ongoing support in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite being severely impacted by covid-19, Beaumond House, Newark, and Nottinghamshire Hospice survived, with help from their supporters ­— and even extended their services to help more patients and families.

Now they are asking people to pledge a small regular amount to safeguard them from any future impact of the pandemic.

“The pandemic has caused a wave of unplanned, traumatic deaths, which has brought home to many people how important it is to plan for a good death wherever possible,” said Debbie Abrams, chief executive of Beaumond House Community Hospice.

“We can step in and support patients and families during those last weeks, days, and hours of life. By helping us secure our future, we can help you plan for yours.”

“Hospice care is more important than ever as it allows patients with a terminal illness to stay at home in their final days with family around them and keeps them out of hospital,” said Rowena Naylor-Morrell, chief executive of Nottinghamshire Hospice.

“Both our hospices took a substantial financial hit due to shops being closed and events cancelled.

“Nobody knows how long the pandemic will continue or what the new normal will look like, so we are setting up our Forever Fund to safeguard services should there be future peaks and lockdowns.”

When the pandemic hit, both hospices adapted their services quickly to cope with increased demand and new challenges.

Brenda Needham, 77, of Newark has been supported by all three of Beaumond House’s core services during lockdown. She said she simply would not have coped without their support.

Brenda who has pulmonary fibrosis, Parkinson’s disease and angina first came to Beaumond House two years ago for day-therapy support.

During lockdown she was admitted to the in-patient unit to have additional support with medication. Early intervention by Beaumond House helped to prevent a possible hospital admission.

Now home again, she continues to be supported by the Hospice at Home team with regular checks and support.

She said: “The phone call support, the afternoon teas and visits I have received have made the world of difference, they have kept me sane and cared for throughout this dreadful time; I get anxious and I can talk to them about anything.”

Brenda’s particular memory of the in-patient support was of how the team was always on hand to support with whatever she needed.

She said: “The kitchen staff, the care staff and the house keepers all made me feel like I am at home with my family. It is incredible. We must do everything we can to ensure it is there for whoever and whenever people need it.”

Both hospices rely on donations to provide care and both predict substantial losses this year. The two hospices are anticipating a combined loss in income of £450,000 by the end of the year due to the impact of the pandemic.

For more information about the Forever Fund appeal go to www.beaumondhouse.co.uk/the-forever-fund or www.nottshospice.org/forever