The nursing staff at The Prince of Wales Hospice never want to be in the position to say ‘no’ to a patient due to not having the right equipment which is why they’ve set up their Nurses’ Wish List Appeal.
This appeal was partly inspired by the story of Jason Hawley, a local resident and patient of the Hospice on four occasions. Jason was born with Down Syndrome and Epilepsy and in 2015 he was diagnosed with Downs-related dementia. As Jason’s condition progressed The Prince of Wales Hospice reached out to Jason’s family to offer respite care.
During one of his stays at the Hospice, the nurses were able to provide the ‘Cuddle Bed’ for Jason and his parents, this larger sized bed is designed to ensure loved ones can lay together at the time they need it most.
“Jason’s dad and I would lay on the bed with him for hours, one on either side. Stroking his hair, holding his hand. Giving him a bit of his favourite yoghurt whenever he wanted. They were wonderful moments. Now, they are our most treasured memories.” Rosemary Hawley, Jason’s mother.
During Jason’s last stay at the Hospice, the nursing staff faced a very difficult decision between Jason and another patient for the ‘Cuddle Bed’. They ultimately allowed the other patient to use it, a decision that weighed heavily on the nursing staff. With your help, The Prince of Wales Hospice can avoid these situations in the future, and give the best care for all patients, every time.
“The care was still wonderful – but we did regret not being able to have that same closeness to Jason for those precious few days.”
“We want to be sure that other parents like us can have those precious times with their children when the time comes – and that these exceptional nurses’ ability to care for local people isn’t hampered by not having the right bit of kit.” Rosemary and David Hawley
Donate to the appeal today to support the Hospice’s purchase of another Cuddle Bed.
To ensure this situation never occurs at the Hospice again nurse manager Jo Benson is spearheading the appeal for beds, mattresses, overbed tables and one new Cuddle Bed. Jo has worked at the Hospice for over 10 years caring for hundreds of local people and their families. Jo has seen first-hand the incredible benefit this equipment can have to both a patient and their family’s quality of life.
“Getting the care experience right at the end of a patient’s life, the first time matters; because we only ever get one chance. The equipment we would like to purchase will allow us to deliver the care experiences we’d like.” Jo Benson, Nurse Manager
Hear more of Jo’s story here
The Prince of Wales Hospice cares for over 900 patients each year with 7 out of 10 of these patients being cared for by the kindness of their local community.
Donate to the appeal
Via the website – https://pwh.enthuse.com/cf/beds
Call directly – 01977 708868
Text ‘BED’ followed by your donation amount (with no £ sign) to 70480
A donation of just £37.15 would make you one of 100 people coming together to provide comfort and dignity with the purchase of a new specialist bed.
A donation of £149.95 would make you one of 100 people purchasing the new ‘Cuddle Bed’ to offer comfort and cuddles to patients like Jason.
For more information on this appeal please visit The Prince of Wales website
