An innovative new project is being launched by St David’s Hospice to make end of life care services more accessible to patients and their families in the Dwyfor and Llyn area.
A first for the South Gwynedd area, The ‘Hafan Dewi Sant’ project will be working in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, to provide a vital link between patients and the end of life support available to them.
Based at Pwllheli’s Bryn Beryl Community Hospital, the project will generate three new posts for the town, the first being the Care Coordinator, which is being funded by the health and social care charity Sue Ryder through its ‘Raise a Smile’ partnership with supermarket chain Morrisons. The role will support patients who have an end of life diagnosis, their families and carers to navigate health and social care services.
Chief Executive, Trystan Pritchard said: “We are committed to providing excellent specialist palliative care to local people, the development of our community service is an exciting opportunity for St David’s Hospice.
A diagnosis of a terminal illness, such as cancer, can be very distressing for patients and their loved ones. The emotional and practical challenges ahead may be daunting and can often feel overwhelming, confusing and uncertain.
The Care Coordinator will help determine an individual’s needs, assess care requirements and provide the best possible information and advice, assisting with making difficult decisions.
Christine Lynes, Area Nurse Director at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said: “We’re pleased to be working with St David’s Hospice to support patients and their families with end of life care and to develop services close to the patient’s home and locality.”
Samantha Cheverton, Assistant Director of Palliative Services at Sue Ryder, said: “Our partnership with Morrisons launched in February 2014 and has so far raised over £2.7m towards the expansion of our end of life services into the community and people’s homes.
“The money raised by Morrisons colleagues and customers means we can provide more incredible care to people in communities across the UK. We’re delighted to work in partnership with St David’s Hospice to fund this new service in Dwyfor and Llyn, which will support patients and families who are facing the most difficult time of their lives.”
For more information on the project and the work of the St David’s Hospice, visit www.stdavidshospice.co.uk.
