Lantern Issue #100 - Winter 2020

As 2020 comes to a close, I look back on a year that has been challenging but has also demonstrated the resilience of the hospice and that of our amazing community.

Together we have faced an unprecedented 12 months, but thanks to our fantastic staff and volunteers, we have continued to care, working out in the community, supporting those who need us the most. Our community and local businesses have been there every step of the way with their incredible donations and wonderful fundraising initiatives.

Moving forward, we have taken what we have learned and developed new ways of working. We have introduced three locality care teams; north, south, and central, and within each area, there is a specialist team made up of clinical nurse specialists, registered nurses, doctors, therapists and support workers. This will enable the teams to work more closely together, support a more holistic approach to care, and reduce travel time, enabling us to spend more time with our patients and their families. As a result of the second wave, we have also decided to close our Inpatient Unit until spring next year. Instead, we will offer a ‘Virtual Ward’ providing an enhanced level of nursing within people’s own homes.

2020 has also seen our fundraising move into the virtual world, with our Light Up A Life, shopping event, quiz night and sit up challenge all moving online. However, one event which continues in its traditional format is our Christmas Tree Recycling. Registration is now open, and I would encourage everyone to sign up, recycle their tree and help raise money for Farleigh.

Finally, I would like to thank you all for your continued support and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Alison Stevens,
Chief Executive