Hospice joins campaign to improve care access
● HALTON Haven in Runcorn has teamed up with national charity Hospice UK and other centres across the country to launch a campaign aimed at widening access to end-of-life care.
A spokesman for the Murdishaw-based facility said analysis published by Hospice UK has found that nationally one in four families of patients in need do not receive the support they need.
Hospices provide services for terminally ill residents including medical care, spiritual and emotional support and complementary therapies to promote wellbeing.
They also help families with services such as bereavement counselling.
The spokesman said there are several reasons why residents may not be referred for hospice or other end of life care.
Those with a non-cancer diagnosis are often referred in smaller numbers and at a later stage than patients with a cancer diagnosis for end of life care.
The spokesman said this is often because of low awareness among some healthcare professionals about options such as hospice care.
Also, studies have shown that residents from economically deprived areas, BAME (black and minority ethnic) and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) groups experience barriers to accessing end-of-life care.
The Open Up Hospice Care campaign seeks to raise awareness among the public about the fact that hospice care is available to all regardless of their sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability or illness.
Hospice UK and hospices are working to widen access to their care.
The charity is investing in technology to drive collaboration between hospices and other organisations such as care homes and hospitals.
Shaun Pollard, Halton Haven chief executive, said: “Halton Haven ● Hospice is delighted to help launch the Open Up Hospice Care Campaign.
“Every day we see the positive impact that hospice care has on people and their families in and around the Halton area.
“We want to ensure that everyone has access to hospice care when they need it and we are very proud to be a part of this campaign.”
Tracey Bleakley, Hospice UK chief executive, said, “The chances are you know someone who needs hospice care. “Sadly, many families of people with terminal and life-limiting conditions are missing out on the vital care they need for their loved ones, as well as the emotional and psychological support available to help them cope.
“Hospices offer compassionate care which can play a vital role in easing people’s suffering, providing comfort and relieving considerable pressures faced by families.
“Hospices are committed to extending the reach of their services but this work needs to be part of a wider effort involving all healthcare providers, if we are to tackle current inequities and ensure that everyone gets the expert care they need at the end of life.”
To find out about the campaign visit www. haltonhaven.org.uk/ openup or www.facebook. com/haltonhaven. hospice.5. Alternatively call Halton Haven on 01928 712 728 or email info@ haltonhaven.co.uk