Saint Michael’s Hospice is joining forces with national charity Hospice UK and other hospices across the country to launch a new campaign aimed at widening access to end of life care.
The Open Up Hospice Care campaign — which runs until July 28 — seeks to raise awareness that hospices are here for everyone, regardless of their age, illness, race, social status or sexual orientation.
New research published by Hospice UK this week shows that nationally one in four people, who require end of life care, and their families, are not getting the support they need.
Hospices provide wide-ranging support for people living with terminal illnesses and their families, including physical care, and spiritual, emotional and practical support.
According to Hospice UK, there are a number of reasons why people may not be referred for hospice, or other end of life care.
Studies have shown that people from economically deprived areas, BAME (black and minority ethnic) and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people can experience barriers to accessing end of life care services.
People with a non-cancer diagnosis are often referred in smaller numbers and at a later stage than people with a cancer diagnosis for end of life care.
Saint Michael’s, the local hospice care charity supporting people living in with terminal illness and bereavement across the Harrogate District, is currently marking 30 years of hospice care, and is more committed than ever to finding new and innovative ways to widen local access to hospice care.
Chief executive Tony Collins said: Saint Michael’s is proud 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 the Harrogate District. We want to ensure that everyone gets high-quality, personalised care at the end of their lives.
Saint Michael’s new strategy identifies some of the challenges people face in accessing care and pledges to take action on inequality, helping more local people to get support that is right for them at the right time.
Saint Michael’s is calling on the community to support the Open Up Hospice Care Campaign; by helping raise awareness about the benefits of hospice care, by volunteering to help the charity deliver its vital service or to make a donation to help ensure to support local people living with terminal illness and bereavement. To find out how you can support your local hospice, visit: www.saintmichaelshospice.org
To find out more about Open Up Hospice Care campaign, http://www.hospiceuk.org/support-us/campaigns/open-up-hospice-care
Watch the Open Up Hospice Care video