Your Worcester News and county hospice St Richard’s have launched the 25 Years of Care Appeal. Lucy Tatchell found out what happens at the organisation’s day hospice THERE is a lot more to St Richard’s Hospice than the 15 beds where terminally-ill patients spend their final days.
Over at the charity’s day hospice, which cares for 20 people a day, people are able to call in to enjoy a game of dominos, paint a picture or just chat to one of the six volunteers on hand.
For Shirley Isherwood, of Cowley Bank, Malvern, the day hospice is about sharing her experiences with other people in the same boat.
“It is a fellowship, and that’s good,” she said.
Mrs Isherwood has a tumour on her spine and has been coming to the hospice, in Wildwood Drive, Worcester, for 18 months.
“Because the cancer has affected my leg, I have it massaged, which helps relax it,” she added.
The day hospice wing is centred around one main room where people can sit and be pampered by volunteers. Women can have their nails done and complementary therapists offer a whole range of treatments.
Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, chiropodists and hairdressers are also on hand for anyone who needs them.
The bright main room leads through to a dining room, where everyone sits for a three-course lunch before spending the afternoon enjoying some ‘quiet time’.
There are smaller rooms with sofas where patients can read a book or talk to a dedicated nurse about their medical needs.
The walls are decorated with paintings all made during creative therapy, as volunteer Ranza Sharp explained.
“The aim is for people to come up here, forget about their illness and enjoy their day in a relaxed atmosphere,” she said.
“We do a variety of arts and crafts. They seem to get a lot out of it, and it is a nice time to chat while we are doing it.”
There is also a hydrotherapy bath were people can relax and freshen up.
For 67-year-old Bryan Duford, of Crown Street, Worcester, the hospice offers him a chance to speak to other people experiencing a similar situation.
The father-of-two suffers from bone cancer and has been visiting the day hospice for a year.
“It has been really good coming here,” he said. “I enjoy the company and having a chat with people.
“They do everything to help you and the staff are first class.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Donating money to St Richard's couldn't be easier.
Cut out the coupon in the print edition of today's Worcester News, visit our dedicated fund-raising page at justgiving.com/wn4strichards... or click the button below to go straight there.
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