Hospice Isle of Man has officially unveiled the new look Scholl Centre Day unit. The day unit is used for patients 3 days a week and offers a wide range of services. A new addition to the services includes a drop in day to be held every Monday. This service will run from 10am-7pm and anyone who has cancer, or any other life-threatening illnesses is encouraged to attend. Patients, relatives and carers can also attend. No referral is necessary. The wide range of services include emotional support, advice, massage, Reiki and relaxation therapy. There will also be a wide range of practical advice including financial matters, treatment regimes, diet and understanding medication.
As part of the unveiling of the newly refurbished room and the brand new service Hospice was delighted that Dot’s Dream Foundation had agreed to fund the ‘new look’. The committee from this charity presented a cheque for the fantastic amount of ?11,000 to Margaret Simpson, Chief Executive of Hospice. Pictured left to right are: Wendy Smith (Day Unit Manager) Nicola Walkingshaw from Dot’s Dream Foundation, Debbie Pitts, Margaret Simpson, Frankie Pitts, Stevie Pitts and Matron for Hospice Diane Corrin.
Margaret thanked the committee of Dot’s Dream Foundation for their amazing contribution to the day unit. Margaret said: “The room looks lovely, bright and colourful.” “It will make a huge difference to the vibe and feel of the day unit for staff, patients, families and volunteers.”
A plaque in memory of Dot Pitts was also unveiled. Dot’s Dream Foundation was launched on 8th April 2011 with the aim of continuing the fantastic fundraising work former Mayor of Douglas Dot carried out.
Dot’s daughter, Nicola Walkingshaw commented: “My mum loved this room. We have been fundraising for a while now and have given a number of items to the Hospice. We are very pleased with the end result knowing our mum would have loved the vibrancy of the colours and decoration.”
Day Unit manager, Wendy Smith explained more about the drop in day facility. “This new services is being offered as a free and open service to provide advice and support to anyone who needs it, either patients or carers. It is not necessary to be a Hospice patient nor to have any involvement with Hospice. This is a separate service that does not need any referral or appointment, all you need to do is simply ‘drop in’.”
“There is access to a program of activities including benefit advice, anxiety management or psychological support. There will also be support sessions for carers, or bereavement support if required. The team may also be able to direct you to other services and facilities that may be of benefit to you. You can have free access to our computer facility for information gathering and look at a library of patient/carer booklets and leaflets.”
“The drop in day also welcomes patients and carers who would like to relax and call in for something to eat or drink whilst they are waiting for oncology appointments or afterwards. Hospice offers support if you need to have results or treatments explained further. There will be registered nurses on hand to give help and advice to anyone who needs it.”
The drop in day also welcomes those who have finished their treatment regimes and will support cancer survivors for as long as they need it. Survivorship is an integral part of what the team look at during these drop in days.
Above all this new service aims to give a welcoming, friendly experience with the emphasis on providing a relaxing and helpful environment to all those who attend.
Wendy concluded: “this type of drop in day works really well in the UK so we decided to give it a go – hopefully local people will find this a useful support and advice day particularly if they travel to the UK for treatment and feel local support would help. The new look day unit looks amazing.” She added: “I would like to add my thanks and appreciation to Dot’s Dream Foundation for making our dreams come true.”
Photographic courtesy of Matt Mosur Photography.
