THE island’s hospice has launched a new strategy to take the organisation through till 2017.
Hospice Isle of Man is currently celebrating 30 years of palliative care on the island.
The key objectives set out in the new strategy are:
llContinually improve existing service provision
llDevelop services for people dying with conditions other than cancer
llExtend and enhance community services in partnership with statutory, voluntary and charitable sector
llEngage with the island’s community, raising awareness of hospice care
llProvide education for all those involved with people facing end of life.
llWork closely with the Isle of Man Government, other charities, trusts and corporate providers to secure growth in financial resources
llConsider new commercial business opportunities to provide sustainable income
llBuild on existing volunteer workforce
llEnsure adequate funding is in place to achieve the objectives set
llDeliver sustainable income
Chief executive Margaret Simpson: said ‘We are delighted to launch an innovative, forward-thinking strategy for Hospice from 2012 to 2017. Hospice prides itself on always putting our patients at the centre of everything we do and as we are about to launch the celebrations for 30 years of Hospice care on the island – it is important and appropriate that our key objectives tie in with a clear vision for the future.’
From its beginning in 1983, Hospice Care has grown into a large organisation providing for patients all aspects of palliative care. The hospice’s services include in patients’ beds, day care, a specialist nursing team, Hospice at Home, complementary therapy, lymphoedema service, social worker, bereavement service, counselling and a children’s hospice, Rebecca House.
About 200 people on the Isle of Man will die of cancer each year. The majority, 95 per cent or so, are referred to the hospice at some stage of their illness, often following diagnosis.
Currently the hospice needs to raise £3.5m each year in a small island community. Fundraising events, PR work and advertising ensures the organisation’s constant presence.
A spokesman said: ‘Hospices are known for their significant social innovation in approaches to death and dying and embody a holistic philosophy that combines high quality medical and nursing interventions with social activities, spiritual and psychological care. Hospice Isle of Man’s contribution to the island’s healthcare and dying with dignity is profound.
‘Community involvement is also a priority for Hospice and it is achieved in many ways.’
Hospice’s palliative care specialist nurses offer advice and support to patients in the hospital, in the community and in care homes. They provide teaching programmes and have introduced the Liverpool Care Pathway in all healthcare settings and compiled and distributed palliative care resource files across the island.
A spokesman added: ‘The hospice’s 600 volunteers give invaluable support to the organisation and additionally work with other charities bringing further benefits to island residents. Indeed its presence in the community is also recognised by the involvement of many corporate organisations, the government and working closely with the island’s media.
‘They have a strong presence and its identity is prominent, evidenced by an increasing number of people being aware of the Hospice’s work and by their wish and willingness to be associated with it.
‘It is however vitally important that our well established Hospice does not stand still. Hospice needs to look into the future and plan its development for at least five years ahead. Central to all Hospice care is the patient and their families.’
The hospice says the new strategy takes into account an ever-changing world both medically and financially. There has never been a more appropriate time or need to manage all their resources wisely so as a charity Hospice continues to grow and evolve.
For a copy of the strategy ring Mary Dunne on 647400, email marydunne@hospice.org.im go to the hospice’s website.