Staff and volunteers at a charity providing end of life care to patients across Gwent and beyond have been praised by Natasha Asghar MS.
The Newport and Islwyn politician met with staff at St David’s Hospice Care in Newport recently to find out more about the services they offer patients and families.
Charity CEO Emma Saysell gave the Welsh Conservative MS a tour of the hospice’s in-patient unit where specialist palliative care is provided to hundreds of people every year.
St David’s in-patient unit, which opened in 2017, has 15 bedrooms for patients, each with en suites and patio area, where staff provide 24-hour care.
Not only that, but the unit also has rooms for relatives to stay in, and staff provide a range of support to patients and families including emotional, financial, practical, and bereavement.
Patients can also access therapy services, spiritual care, and on-site volunteer hairdressers.
Natasha was also shown around St David’s Day Hospice, which gives patients the opportunity to meet with others in a similar situation and take part in a wide range of activities, and looked around the hospice’s new memorial garden.
Emma spoke with Natasha about the Hospice at Home initiative, which sees the charity’s community team look after and support patients in their houses.
St David’s Hospice Care has become the UK’s largest provider of hospice at home care, caring for more than 3,700 patients and families every year.
All care provided by the charity is free of charge, however it costs £15,000 every single day to provide that care.
Whilst some funding is given to the hospice from the Welsh Government and the NHS, it relies heavily on the money raised through fundraising and its charity shops.
Natasha Asghar MS said:
“Hospices like St David’s carry out vital work ensuring people are provided with exceptional care and support as they come to the end of their lives.
“I am incredibly grateful to Emma and the team for taking the time show me some of the services they offer and work they do during what was a really moving visit.
“Everyone at St David’s Hospice Care goes above and beyond in providing wonderful support to patients. That was clear to see from the moment you step through the door.
“However, with demand for palliative care set to rise sharply, it is vital we see the new Welsh Government take meaningful action to protect services including by delivering a new sustainable funding model.
“If anyone would like to donate to St David’s Hospice Care to help with its essential work or would like to get involved with the charity, visit stdavidshospicecare.org.”
