With a total of nearly ?5,000 raised at the Diana Princess of Wales Care at Home Trust’s Christmas event at the Rutland Hotel in Douglas in early December, the Trust was successful in meeting its target of ?50,000 for 2016.

Since 2012, the number of hours of care delivered annually has increased from 714 hours to 2,305 hours during 2016. The year started with 8 patients on the caseload and throughout the year the service received 47 new referrals; a 32% increase in hours delivered compared to 2015, with 1,348 hours provided during the day and 957 hours at night.

In late 2012, a part-time Diana nurse was appointed, and due to the demand for Care at Home services her hours were increased to full-time in June 2014.  In 2015, following additional fundraising support, in particular from the Manx Lottery Trust and the Scheinberg family, the Trust were able to secure further funding to facilitate an additional part-time registered nurse and healthcare assistant for 2015, along with a bank nurse budget for additional service demand. During 2016 respite care has increased and a new healthcare assistant has started.

Chairman of the Trust Ron Spencer said: “The Trust continues to fundraise to meet service demand for 2017 onwards. We’re indebted to all our supporters; a renewed three year promise from the Scheinberg family is a huge encouragement to us as we look to achieve at least ?50,000 annually for 2017 onwards, helping local families who need this support during a difficult time in their lives. Long term commitments enable us to plan for the future, including the potential to also support patients with life-limiting non-cancerous illnesses who prefer to stay at home. 

“The demand for Care at Home services increases year on year and we really need to work to raise in the region of ?75,000 - ?85,000 annually to get closer to meeting demand.” 

For further information please visit the Trust’s website www.hospiceathome.im.