Celebration Tree marks first year at new hospice

St Wilfrid’s Hospice celebrated its first anniversary since moving to Walton Lane, Bosham, on Friday. Chief executive Alison Moorey said: “Here at St Wilfrid’s Hospice our roots with the community run deep. Whilst this year has given us unprecedented challenges the forward thinking design of the hospice itself has allowed us to adapt our core care services to the impact of Covid-19.

“We have the ability for much greater infection control because of the materials used, the larger amount of space makes distancing much easier and the extra rooms have allowed us to support the NHS.

“The hospice building has been separated into inpatient and community contact areas and non-contact areas, reducing the risk of transmission of infection. We’ve supported the local healthcare system response by increasing our inpatient admissions capacity, enabling discharges from hospital so that they can respond to the outbreak.

“We’ve worked closely with community services to support patients at home – visiting when needed and increasing our capacity by a third. We also use video calls by therapy leads for patients who were attending Living Well services.

“The family support team offer online video funeral services and consultations, supporting people through a very different experience of bereavement.

“We are so grateful for the ongoing support of the public, their donations and fundraising continue to be a vital form of support even as retail outlets closed during the 12-week period now begin to re-open as Covid secure outlets.”

With plans for a more official celebration event on hold, the hospice is proud to introduce the St Wilfrid’s Celebration Tree, a symbol of the connection with the community and an opportunity for people to cherish the memory of a loved one with a dedication.

To find out how you can have your message on one of the first ornate gold, silver or bronze leaves email Marcia. nguyen@stwh.co.uk or visit stwh.co.uk/ celebrationtree