Aphra Brandreth recently visited the Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Chester, along with Cllr Simon Eardley, to hear about the exceptional care they provide and was shown around their facilities. The hospice provide quality specialist palliative and end of life care, a vitally important service caring for individuals and providing support for their families.
Aphra met with the Chief Executive of the Hospice, Rhian Edwards, and their Director of Income Generation, Caroline Siddal, to discuss some of the funding challenges that the Hospice faces. The hospice relies on fundraising and donations for a large part of their service provision. This follows a debate in the House of Commons earlier in the week where Edward Timpson MP spoke about the critical role that hospices play in providing end-of-life care and support for patients and their families, highlighting the work of the Hospice of the Good Shepherd and St Luke’s Hospice, and raising concerns about the funding situation for many hospices in Cheshire. It is vital that that essential end-of-life care services receive the attention and support they deserve.
During her visit Aphra was shown around the inpatient unit which has 10 beds and is run by a dedicated and professional team of clinical and palliative care consultants. Alongside the Inpatient Unit, the hospice has a Living Well Centre providing a range of support therapies including medical, nursing, rehabilitation and well-being support. Services offered include counselling and support to patients and families who are struggling with the challenges of a life-limiting illness, as well as offering bereavement support to families.
You can find out more about their work, the services they provide or how to make a donation on their website https://www.hospiceofthegoodshepherd.com
