Christmas at Saint Francis Hospice: Care that Never Stops
At Saint Francis Hospice, Christmas is a time of compassion, and precious moments. Our care never stops throughout the festive season and every day of the year, we provide expert palliative and end?of?life support for people in our community.
For those spending Christmas Day on our Ward, we make the day as meaningful as possible. Everyone will receive a small gift, our catering team prepares a traditional Christmas lunch for people and their loved ones, and a festive buffet will be available in the evening.
“We know that many people and their loved ones may be facing their last Christmas together, and we do everything we can to make it extra special and give them the chance to make precious memories,” said Jo Noguera, Head of Ward Services.
This week, we were delighted to take people from the ward, along with people who attend our therapy groups and the Young Adults Group, on three festive trips to see the Christmas lights in London. Thanks to our partnership with the charity ACROSS, we again travelled on the Jumbulance, a specially adapted, medically equipped coach that allows people to travel comfortably in a bed or wheelchair. The experience meant so much to everyone who joined us.
This year, Christmas coincides with significant improvements to our care environment. Phase I of our Ward Development Project is now complete, and people are already benefiting from upgraded facilities designed to enhance comfort and privacy.
The refurbishment will modernise the rooms, equipment and furnishings, making them dementia friendly and creating a quiet space for loved ones. The developments also include green initiatives such as solar panels to support long term sustainability.
While bed capacity is temporarily reduced during the works, there has been no reduction in service. The new Enhanced Hospice at Home team is delivering advanced care for people with complex palliative needs in their own homes. This team includes experienced Ward staff and doctors, supported by our wider care team, ensuring people receive consistent, expert care wherever they are.
Our Hospice Community team will continue visiting people in their homes and care homes throughout the festive period, providing pain management, symptom control, and vital support. Our Specialist Advice Line ensures help is available for people in a crisis, when it’s needed most.
Corinna Midgley, Medical Director at Saint Francis Hospice, said: “The need for our care never stops, and we are always here to care and support local people when they need us. Our services also play a vital role in supporting the wider health system. In the past seven months we have prevented over 200 crisis hospital admissions due to community interventions, relieving pressure on hospitals and the NHS at a time when services are under immense strain.”
For those who are lonely, isolated or bereaved, our OrangeLine service, a confidential telephone support line, will remain available throughout the festive period, offering a listening ear and practical guidance. Our volunteer bereavement counsellors will also continue providing vital support during this time (both services will pause on weekends and the bank holidays).
In the lead-up to Christmas, teams hosted festive gatherings across our care and support groups. The Family and Individual Support team invited carers and their loved ones to enjoy a special Christmas lunch in the Orange Café. The Therapies Team also brought people together to have fun, share experiences, and find a sense of community during what can be a challenging time.
