Every day, our staff work tirelessly to make sure our patients are comfortable, safe and cared for. But they do so much more. They help create memories in the hardest of times.
Creating moments of joy is so important for our patients and their families. These moments give precious memories at a time when families need them most.
That’s why, this festive season, we wanted to share some of our moments of joy with you.
- Wreath making with the Living Well services – The Living Well Services held wreath making classes for our patients earlier this month. Patients from across Basingstoke were invited in and created beautiful wreaths for their homes. We look after hundreds of people across Basingstoke in their homes, and provide classes and support in our Living Well centre.
- Christmas Day menu – Our chef has put together a delicious Christmas menu for our patients and their families. When they’re in the Hospice on Christmas Day, they can enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Sitting down and eating together on special days helps to create long-lasting memories for the whole family.
- Bringing joy in homes and in the Hospice – Our Hospice at Home team and staff in the Hospice help to control patient’s pain and provide vital emotional support for them and their families. Our team have added a little festive flair during the festive season – donning their favourite festive jumpers or hats to help bring a moment of joy when they visit people in their homes and on the in-patient unit.
Amy, a Hospice at Home Nurse, said: ‘The festive period is a time to be around family and loved ones. Hospice at Home continues to provide care over the festive period so that our patients and their families can be together at such a difficult time. As we do all year round, we will continue to do this with kindness, warmth and a smile… and maybe even a Santa hat!’
- Pets as Therapy – Polly, our Pets as Therapy dog has been visiting the in-patient ward in her Santa-themed dress, sitting with patients and giving much-needed emotional therapy. She also greeted our Reindeer Runners at our event on Sunday 18 December, dressed as a reindeer herself! Polly brings moments of joy and comfort every week to staff, patients and families.
- Year-round moments of joy – Our work doesn’t stop because it’s a bank holiday or Christmas, we have staff working on Christmas Day – being there for our patients and their family in the Hospice and community. Whether it’s a Valentine’s bouquet of flowers, or a last-minute wedding, our staff go above and beyond to bring precious memories for our patients and their families when they need them most.
Season’s Greetings from everyone here at St. Michael’s Hospice. We simply couldn’t do what we do without your amazing support. If you’d like to donate this festive season, click here and light up the lives of our patients and their families.
