Summer of Care Appeal

The Hospice of St Francis is asking the public to support their Summer of Care Appeal as they deliver relief and comfort to patients with life-limiting illnesses during the warmer months. The Hospice’s care services, which support over 2,000 patients and their families every year, face unique challenges during the summer. Hot weather can exacerbate symptoms and create additional physical, emotional and practical challenges for patients. At the same time, donations to fund the Hospice’s free care typically decrease over the summer months.   

Community Team Lead and Nurse, Hannah Smith, shared some of the challenges hospice patients may face: “The hot weather can make changes happen quite rapidly with a patient’s condition. Any change in the atmosphere can alter someone’s breathing status. We look out for dehydration which could lead to deterioration, and we always adapt to what they need.” 

In summer, the clinical teams at The Hospice of St Francis work hard to ease patients’ symptoms, provide practical and emotional support, while also helping patients to enjoy the season. Occupational therapist, Amy Smissen, described how she supports patients at home:

“We help by making the environment more comfortable, supporting with hydration and fatigue management, as well as assisting patients so they can achieve their goals. Those goals might include getting outside into their garden or planning a day out with friends or family.” 

While the Hospice’s services are available year-round, summer is the time of year when donations to their free care often drop. That’s why they’re now appealing to the public to support their services through the Summer of Care Appeal.  

One family who experienced this care first-hand shared how much it affected them. Susan Mantle from Watford explained how her daughter Sarah, aged forty, stayed on the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit after a sudden diagnosis of stomach cancer. Susan said, “They immediately gave Sarah pain relief – it was all about making her as comfortable as possible. I couldn’t have managed my daughter’s pain at home on my own. If they hadn’t been there for us, I can’t imagine what that time might have felt like. Our communities and families need the Hospice . . . so please support them today.” 

Donations to the Summer of Care Appeal will help ensure local patients and families continue to receive expert care, practical support and relief throughout the summer months. A donation of £40 could fund around six hours of medication on the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit, providing immediate symptom relief and peace of mind.  

You can donate and find out more here: https://www.stfrancis.org.uk/appeal