“One of the highlights of the year was the Hospice refurbishment project which modernised key spaces in the Hospice, greatly contributing to the therapeutic environment which we value so highly. An innovative new income stream was created in the form of the Martlets Care Agency and in the latter part of the year we welcomed the Governments End of Life Care Strategy”, said Caroline Lower, Chief Executive, of the Martlets Hospice.  

“A committee of energetic local supporters was formed to steer us through a year long series of highly successful fundraising events, I attended most of the anniversary events and was overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of support for the Hospice” said Roger French, Chair of Trustees at the Martlets. 

Key Achievements 2007/2008 as described in the Review:

• Enhanced Day Hospice Care - a carers support worker, a clinical nurse specialist and physiotherapist have been recruited to provide additional help to our Day Hospice patients.
• Martlets Care Agency – a social enterprise established to both increase income and extend the Martlets Care services throughout the community; by year end, the agency was employing 25 care assistants and 16 registered nurses.
• Engaging our supporters – highlights of the year included the inaugural Ladies Midnight Walk that raised over £100,000 and the tenth anniversary dinner at Arundel Castle raised over £77,000.
• Education and Training – included in an extensive programme, the Department ran an advanced communications skills course for the Sussex Cancer Network - a three day course for senior staff working across Sussex.

Key Goals for 2008/2009

• Respite care service – the Hospice will support patients in the community so that their carers can have a break for a fixed period.  
• Developing non-cancer skills – ensuring staff have the skills to care for patients with complex and chronic conditions other than cancer.      

On the financial side, the Hospice ended the year with a tiny surplus of £6,693. Roger French said “ Whilst this was a great achievement and the result of a huge amount of work by a large number of people – staff, volunteers and supporters, it is getting ever more challenging to raise the charitable funds - over £3 million annually - required to operate the Hospice.” 

About the Martlets Hospice

The Martlets Hospice offers excellent and compassionate care for adults who are approaching the end of their life. This care is aimed at alleviating the distressing symptoms associated with serious illness as well as providing specialist emotional support for the families and carers through the illness and into bereavement. Typically patients are in the last year or less of their illness, they may visit the Hospice or access the Hospice services a number of times. One of the chief aims of the Hospice is to maintain the best possible quality of life and to support independence. 

The Hospice offers a variety of facilities and services to patients via an 18 bedded in patient unit, a day hospice offering a range of activities and therapies alongside outpatient consultations, bereavement and counselling services as well as the Martlets @ Home service. Since opening in 1997, the Hospice has helped over 16,500 local people.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

-          For more information about the Martlets Hospice visit www.themartlets.org.uk or for press information email lucy.brandram@themartletshospice.co.uk or call 01273 747455