Charity wants to raise £155,000 so patients enjoy more comfort
EAST Cheshire Hospice has launched a special appeal to buy new beds for patients.
The charity wants to raise £155,295 to replace 17 beds which have been in use for almost 10 years and are now starting to show their age.
The hospice has written to supporters asking for help as it tries to fund the £9,135 needed for each of the beds – 15 for inpatient wards and two as outpatient treatment beds.
Helen Knight, clinical and operations director, said: “It’s so important for our patients to be comfortable so they can make the most of their time with their loved ones.
“Our current beds are costing more to repair when the mechanisms fail, which is happening more frequently with constant use.
“As an independent local charity, the hospice doesn’t receive any help for equipment from the NHS and so we need to raise additional funds to provide this critical upgrade as soon as possible.
“Most patients come to our inpatient unit when all hope of a cure for their illness is lost and they’re in the final stages of life. For most sadly, this means lying in bed 24-hours-a-day for up to 15 days or more.”
The new beds will be more comfortable than the existing ones with two variations of mattress – memory foam and air-filled.
Helen added: “Advances in technology since we last replaced our beds mean that with the upgraded beds our patients will have more control, comfort and can rest more easily.
“The new versions use energy more efficiently and come with five-year maintenance included so any additional costs to the hospice are included.”
East Cheshire Hospice is hoping to secure grants of up to £20,000 towards the cost and various pyjama-themed fundraising events are being held.
To make a donation go to eastcheshirehospice. org.uk/bedappeal.