Weldmar Hospicecare forecasts a significant increase in demand for its services by patients and families across Dorset
The charity provides high quality care, love and support to terminally ill people during the last year of their lives, and to their loved ones. This care is provided completely free of charge in the comfort of patients own homes, through the wellbeing services such as family bereavement support, or as inpatients at Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester.
With only a fifth of income coming from the NHS, Weldmar still needs to raise around £18,000 a day to keep providing these services.
Last year Weldmar supported and cared for 2,833 patients and family members. This year we expect to help an additional 128 people, equating to an extra cost of just over a quarter of a million pounds.
Caroline Sweetland, Director of Nursing at Weldmar says, “Each and every year, we are hearing from more patients who need our care and support. On average, there is an increased demand of 4.5% more people who are facing one of life’s most difficult times and are asking for our help. We are determined that we will always be here for them throughout the final part of their lives and to be there for their loved ones too.”
Estimated extra demand on services is estimated as follows:
In South Dorset, including Weymouth & Portland:
This year we estimate we’ll help 936 people, which is an extra:
• 6 patients staying in the In-Patient Unit at Joseph Weld Hospice, costing £30,780
• 18 patients cared for at home, costing £20,628
• 4 patients attending Day Services, at an extra cost of £21,632
• 11 more loved ones accessing Family Support Services, costing £2,888
In West Dorset, including Dorchester, Bridport and Lyme Regis:
This year we estimate we’ll help 1,448 people, which is an extra:
• 9 patients staying in the In-Patient Unit at Joseph Weld Hospice, costing £46,170
• 28 patients cared for at home, costing £32,088
• 7 patients attending Day Services, at an extra cost of £37,856
• 17 more loved ones accessing Family Support Services, costing £4,463
In North Dorset, including Sherborne, Shaftesbury, Sturminster Newton, Gillingham and Blandford:
This year we estimate we’ll help 575 people, which is an extra
• 5 patients staying in the In-Patient Unit at Joseph Weld Hospice, costing £25,650
• 13 patients cared for at home, costing £14,898
• 3 patients attending Day Services, at an extra cost of £16,244
• 6 more loved ones accessing Family Support Services, costing £1,575
Weldmar Hospicecare has now launched an appeal to help ensure its end of life care services remain available to everyone who needs them in Dorset.
Donations to the Appeal can be made at www.weld-hospice.org.uk, where people can see exactly what their donation will pay for.
Quotes from users of our bereavement support services:
• Paula, whose parents both benefitted from end of life care at the in-patient unit – “Weldmar picked us up, held us, and gently set us down again. During Mum’s inpatient stay I was able to sleep over for a couple of nights and my son and daughter were able to spend time with their grandma during those precious last days.”
• Dave, whose wife Claire died last December aged just 52 – “I attend the bereavement coffee morning and it feels good to be part of a group where everyone else knows how you feel, we are all in the same boat. The staff and volunteers here at Weldmar are brilliant and just so understanding.”
• Barbara, whose husband Keith was poorly for just nineteen days – “My Granddaughter was celebrating her 14th Birthday and the nurses organised a party for her in the hospice Orangery. Sadly, Keith was too ill to get out of bed, but I brought him jelly and cake so he could be part of the party. He went into a deep sleep and passed away soon after. It was a great comfort to know that we were all together and my Granddaughters were able to share a lovely goodbye with him. The care we have all received is amazing.”
• Ivor’s partner Ann passed away in July 2018, and he visits the hospice regularly with cakes and other treats for the nurses – “I refer to them as Ivor’s Angels, as a thank you for everything they did for Ann. With Weldmar’s support I am now in a much better place mentally. Meeting the Weldmar team was the best thing I ever did.”
