Spring 2011 - Wigan & Leigh Hospice

MAKING A DIFFERENCE
GETTING A HEAD
EVENTS
FUNDRAISING
SUPPORTING LOCAL CHARITY
Many of us have family, friends and colleagues who need
Hospice care and by supporting Wigan & Leigh Hospice you
can be assured that your help will be used to provide specialist
care for people in your community. Unlike charities with large
overheads, over 90p in every £1 donated to the Hospice goes
directly to looking after local people. Any support you can
give will help to ensure the Hospice will be able to care for us,
our friends, relatives and colleagues if we ever need it.
June Law
Hospice patients are able to access a wide
range of therapy services from the team
of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).
Although employed by the Ashton, Leigh
and Wigan Community Healthcare NHS
Trust (ALWCH), the team is based at the
Hospice and is led by physiotherapist June
Law who was seconded to the Hospice 11
years ago.
June says, “The team work together to
improve the quality of life of patients
by providing therapies tailored to each
individual’s needs which are then adapted
to meet their changing circumstances.”
The service which is supported by ALWCH,
the Hospice and Macmillan has expanded
greatly over the last few years. The team
of 10 provide a whole range of services
including Specialist Occupational Therapy,
Physiotherapy, Speech and Language
Therapy and Nutritional and Dietary
Support.
They work with patients who are
experiencing difficulties due to the
complexity of their disease. The aim is to
maximise the dignity of the patient and
reduce the extent to which the disease can
interfere with the patient’s physical, social,
psychological and emotional wellbeing.
A large part of their time is spent seeing
patients in the community. Home visits
help to fully assess the patient’s needs and
those of their family and carers.
His Grace, Father Patrick Kelly, is the Archbishop
of Liverpool and on a visit to Wigan, expressed a
desire to visit the Hospice.
He is no stranger to Hospices as he was heavily
involved in the setting up of Francis House
Childrens Hospice in Manchester when he was
the Bishop of Salford. He continues to maintain
a close affinity with the Hospice movement in
general, and Francis House in particular.
Morecambe born Father Kelly joined the
priesthood in 1962. He is a former President
of the Catholic Bishops Conference of England
and Wales and has been Archbishop of Liverpool
since 1996.
June adds, “We work very closely with
many professionals including GPs,
District Nurses, other AHPs, Specialist
Nurses, Social Services and staff at
both the Hospice and the hospital. Good
communication is vital and allows a wellplanned,
co-ordinated response to the
patient’s changing needs. We also provide
equipment which can often help to support
someone in the home environment. We
are well supported by ALWCH and Social
Services in this area. This supportive
rehabilitation and advice can often help to
prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.
We work hard to maximise a patient’s ability
to carry on with their usual daily routine and
promote their independence.”
She concludes, “I feel very privileged to
be able to work here at the Hospice and
believe that we really do make a difference.
It’s a great place to work with truly lovely
people and I enjoy coming to work each
day – not many of my friends can say
this!
Our patients are on a difficult journey and
we are dedicated to making that journey as
comfortable as possible.”
Father Kelly meets Hospice visitor June Sargeant
A highly successful hairdressing training
company are supporting Wigan & Leigh
Hospice by providing hairdressing for patients.
Barry Lord Gambles, Contracts Director of
Wigan-based Venture Learning says, “I am very
fortunate that I am at a point in my life that I
want to give something back. Our company is
in the position that allows me to give my own
time and provide hairdressers and trainees for
the benefit of the Hospice.”
He added, “I was recently in South Africa
and saw some people living in very poor
circumstances. They had absolutely nothing,
but were full of joy and happiness. At work I
spend most of my time sat a computer and it can
be very lonely and insular. It made me realise
that there is much more to life than money. I
want to help others who are not as fortunate and
have chosen Wigan & Leigh Hospice. It is an
incredible place with a great atmosphere that
genuinely cares for its patients.
On my first day at the Hospice I was amazed
at how happy everyone was, especially the
patients. It was a humbling experience and gave
me a real lift, making me even more determined
that this is the perfect place to offer whatever
support we can. I know I will get much more
out, on a personal level, than I could ever give.
I’m also sure it will be a great place for some of
our students to come. It’s a real eye-opener and
will give them new life-experiences. Everyone
at the Hospice is so nice.”
Hospice Chief Executive Stuart Liptrot says,
“We are thrilled at the support that Barry and
his company are providing. It is amazing the
impact it has on patients who come once a week
to our Day Hospice and then go home with
a new ‘hair-do’. It can be a huge confidence
booster”.
Barry sold his partnership in local hairdressers
‘Norman & Philip’ some years ago and started
Venture Learning in 2004 with business partner
Gary Slotwiner.
Since then, the company has achieved
Outstanding Beacon Status from Ofsted,
providing hairdressing tuition for over 500
trainees at any one time. They are from all ages,
organisations and individuals; including 16
schools and over 150 professional salons. Over
90% of staff achieve degree-level status. The
courses provided are from levels 1 - 3, through
to assessor awards. It now has seven fully
equipped training centres across the Northwest,
including Leigh and Wigan, with two franchise
operations in Preston and Blackpool.
In addition to producing some highly qualified
hairdressers, they also work closely with
professionals in other sectors, providing
‘assisted learning’ to those who might not be
able to make a living out of the trade, but can
benefit from developing skills and meeting
people, sometimes even turning lives around.
Stuart Liptrot added, “Being able to provide a
service like this is wonderful. We are extremely
grateful to Barry and Venture Learning for this
generous support.”
The Hospice has to raise approximately one and a half million pounds annually.
This figure would be be much more without the many hours donated by volunteers,
companies and organisations. If you, your business or organisation can support
the Hospice ‘in kind’, by the donation of time or services, please email volunteers@
wlh.org.uk or ring the Hospice during office hours on 01942 525566.
Find more information about volunteering - www.wlh.org.uk/volunteering
www.wlh.org.uk/diary
Throughout the year, the Hospice organises a number of fundraising
events and activities. A selection of which are pictured here.
Why not arrange your own for a list of ideas, visit our
fundraising activity or event? website - www.wlh.org.uk/a-z
or contact the fundraising department on 01942 525566
Research at Wigan & Leigh Hospice
What is research?
Research is a process of seeking new
knowledge. It is an important part of
healthcare, to make sure that patients
are cared for in the best possible way.
There are a number of different types
of research. These may include asking
patients about their experience of living
with a particular illness, or their views
about a service they have received or
which might be developed in the future.
Some research involves patients taking
particular medications in a research trial,
to test a new drug or to compare one
drug with another. Research can also
be conducted with staff or volunteers, for
example to find out their experiences or
views.
Research can be conducted in several
different ways, depending on the issue
being studied and the questions that
the research is trying to answer. It
can involve interviews (usually one to
one), focus groups of several people,
or completing questionnaires. Some
research studies involve more than one
method.
What types of research may take place
at the hospice?
Wigan and Leigh Hospice is involved in
research by:-
Undertaking small-scale research projects
relevant to the needs of the organisation.
Collaborating with other organisation/agencies
in larger research studies, often involving
several different study sites.Supporting its
practitioners to undertake research as part
of postgraduate degrees, such as Masters
degrees.
All clinical research projects are
conducted in accordance with the
Department of Health research
governance framework, which is a very
stringent process and ensures that the
research is carried out safely. If anyone
is asked to take part in a research study,
they are given a detailed information
sheet explaining about the study,
and they have the opportunity to ask
questions if there is anything they do not
understand. If they are willing to take
part in the research, they have to sign a
consent form to say that they understand
the information they have been given and
agree to participate.
No one is obliged to take part in a
research study if they do not want to
– it is entirely voluntary. In the case
of studies involving patients, a patient
would receive the same level of care
from the hospice irrespective of whether
they decided to participate in the
research or not.
In summary, research is essential for
maintaining standards, advancing
knowledge, and improving practice.
Although each study may only add a
small amount to the evidence available,
research is an integral part of the
development of hospice and palliative
care, to ensure that patients receive
care that is effective and of the highest
possible standard.
www.wlh.org.uk/lottery
Last year the Hospice ‘EBAY shop’ generated
over £9,000.
On-line buying and selling is becoming ever more
popular as many people find it convenient and
good value. Care, however, must be taken; and
it always pays to deal with reputable companies
and organisations.
Ebay was started in 1995 under the name of
‘Auction Web’ and became extremely popular,
soon evolving into ‘Ebay’ (from the name
of ‘Echo Bay’ the company run by a 28yr old
software developer and former ‘Apple’ employee
in America called Pierre Omidyar who thought of
the idea.) The rapid growth was astronomical and
now Ebay has over 300 million registered users
making tens of millions of transactions daily!
Sometimes goods are donated to the Hospice
that might attract a wider audience, which means
that we can obtain a better price than if the item
was sold in one of our shops.
The Hospice Lottery is an
important part of our fundraising
efforts. Since it started it has
been a substantial contributor to
Hospice funds.
Our ‘BUMPER DRAW’; this
year, drawn in September,
has an increased top prize of
£3,000. All paying members
are automatically entered into
it. However, buying additional
tickets increases the chance of
winning that exotic holiday you
have always dreamt about.
Join the Hospice Lottery and IT COULD BE YOU
Pictured is a hand-painted English
Royal Doulton China ‘Art Deco’ set
of crockery consisting of a tea set,
coffee set, milk jugs, sugar bowls
and 2 sandwich sets which raised
over £120.
IN TOUCH
Issue No 8
Kildare Street
Hindley, Wigan
WN2 3HZ
01942 525566
enquiries@wlh.org.uk
fundraising@wlh.org.uk
lottery@wlh.org.uk
www.wlh.org.uk

HOSPICE HIGH FLIERS
WHAT AN EXPERIENCE
SCHOOL PROJECT
EDUCATION
MORRISON’S HIGH FLIER
A REAL HIGH FLIER
Chris Worgan (29) is Assistant Deputy
Manager at Morrisons in Ince. Chris
says that he had been ‘stitched up’ by
the staff when he returned from his
annual holiday.
Below is the
transcript of a
letter received at
the Hospice…
Sarah Owens is the Hospice
Palliative Care Educator. She
joined the Hospice in 1999 as
a Senior Staff Nurse on the inpatient
unit and in March 2005
was given a secondment to the
Education Department. In 2007
she became ‘Palliative Care
Educator’ for the Hospice.
Around 700 people from all walks
of life support the Hospice by
volunteering their time. However,
this is the first time a real ‘high-flier’
has become a volunteer.
Natasha Birkett, 27, is in the RAF
and travels the world in her job. She
is currently based at Northwood
in Middlesex as an Assistant
Controller. Whenever she comes
home for 2 or 3 days, she spends
part of her time volunteering for
Wigan & Leigh Hospice.
She says “My father was a patient
for a short time in 2008 before he
passed away. I think it is a great
place, providing much needed help
and support, not only to patients
but families as well.”
Natasha joined the RAF in 2004,
trained at several bases and was
then posted to RAF Lyneham
where she was dealing with
incoming and outgoing aircraft,
including the Lockheed C130
Hercules. Natasha has been
on many training missions and
exercises in foreign climes, from
Cyprus to America and even the
Falkland Islands. She is currently
on a posting overseas.
She adds, “No matter where I go
in the world, there is nowhere like
home (Leigh). I hope to continue
helping out at the Hospice when I
can. I will be straight on the phone
when I get back.”
He adds “We have been supporting
Wigan & Leigh Hospice and whilst
I was off, our Checkout Supervisor
Nicola Brixton decided it would be
a good idea to throw me out of a
plane. I was, to say the least, very
apprehensive, but put on a brave face.
After the initial shock, I began to get
excited: but that all changed again
when I got out of the car at the dropsite
in Cumbria. It didn’t help when
they told me there might be a delay
because they were ‘doing a little work’
on the plane!
After an agonising wait, we were able
to take off. I was duly strapped to an
expert who took me to the edge. I can
tell you, that is some experience. I
thought, ‘Too late now, let’s go for it.’
What an amazing way to raise £1545
for the Hospice and a fantastic
experience. It was something I will
never forget.”
Nicola added, “Some of the staff at
Morrisons had visited the Hospice
to see what it was like. It’s such a
wonderful and inspiring place, we
were blown away by what we saw. I
suppose it’s lucky that Chris wasn’t.”
John Robinson (80) of Hindley
had no previous contact with the
Hospice, but organised a charity
concert in aid of the Hospice at St
Peter’s Church, Hindley on Friday
9 th March, that raised a magnificent
£1050.
John is a former parachute
instructor who has raised over
£20,000 for charity over the years.
He lost the sight in one eye at
the age of 14 when a light bulb
exploded in his face. At the time
he was a pupil at Wigan Grammar
School.
After leaving school, he wanted to
join the Air Force, but was refused.
Undeterred he became a teacher
and gained a diploma in Physical
Education. Never one to give up on
his dream, in 1956 he applied to join
the Air Force as a Physical Training
Instructor and was accepted! He
began parachute jumping and
eventually qualified as a parachute
instructor, which included working
with Commandos. Quite an
achievement for a partially sighted
person. By this time he began to
lose the sight in his other eye, but
it didn’t stop him completing well
over 1,000 jumps by 1969!
Over the years John has lived in
Cyprus and Aldershot, but has
now returned to Wigan. He says,
“I enjoy organising charity events.
Wigan & Leigh Hospice is a
terrific organisation and I heartily
encourage you to support them.”
Hannah Brady helping on Reception
Dear Everyone at the Hospice;
Thank you so much for a wonderful and insightful two weeks work
experience. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of my time at the hospice,
and loved the company of everyone I met – staff, volunteers and
patients.
My time at the hospice allowed me to catch a small glimpse into how
important every single person is, and how their commitment and
enthusiasm kept the patients and their families hopeful and calm in a
troubling time of their lives.
To Irene (volunteers co-ordinator), and everyone I met in the office,
for every aspect of my work experience, you gave me so much helpful
advice in the world of work, keeping me occupied with important tasks
that required trust and responsibility. Thank you for treating me with
respect that an adult deserves. You made my time at the hospice very
enjoyable.
To everyone in reception, the small time I spent with you helped me
improve my confidence in dealing with strangers, either over the phone
or face to face, and recognising how to respond to different visitors.
With advice, it was simple for me to adapt to different personas that
suited individuals, either an upset relative, a nervous family, or an
important visitor. You showed me how many different aspects of your
job there are, and how much commitment you feel towards your job and
the hospice. You treated me like an adult and an equal, thank you.
Lastly, to the wonderful volunteers I had the pleasure of working with in
the Day Hospice. You all astound me with how much you care for each
patient you meet, tending to their every personal need with the utmost
understanding and professionalism.
You are some of the most friendly people I have ever met, and you made
me feel so welcome. Thank you for all the memories, the laughs and the
tea. I have to say you all make the best toast. The patients are lucky
to have you.
Yours sincerely
Hannah Brady (15 yrs)
In February, pupils from
Hindley High School came
to Day Hospice in order
to work with patients,
staff and volunteers in
producing on a wonderful
piece of artwork which
celebrates some of the
landmarks of Wigan &
Leigh. It will eventually be
placed on display in the
Hospice.
The project was led by Gill Cosford who is a
FIMO artist from Atherton. Gill said, “It is a form
of craft work that can be learned by anyone. At
first I was a little apprehensive about coming
to the Hospice and working with the people
there. But now I realise what a beautiful, caring,
relaxing place it is. We had a lot of enjoyment
in working together with the pupils, staff and
patients on the project. Our finished montage is
a ‘quirky’ map of Wigan & Leigh.”
FIMO is a polymer based clay, similar to
plasticine; which can be baked in a standard
oven. It can be cut, drilled, painted, sanded, or
even thinly sliced.”
The school’s Community Engagement Manager
Kay Vernon said, “Part of my role is to help
children to integrate with various parts of the
community. This was a perfect way to introduce
children to the Hospice and for them to discover
that it is a bright modern place with nothing to
fear. It also teaches them about group working;
working with adults; and learning new craft
techniques.
Day Hospice Manager Jane Hastry says,
“We always welcome schools and other
organisations to work with us in a wide variety
of projects. We want to thank the pupils of
Hindley High School, Gill, Kay and of course our
patients and volunteers for this unusual piece
of artwork. Many of our Day Hospice patients
enjoy learning craft skills which are taught by
volunteers. They include painting, card-making,
glass-painting and more... It now includes
FIMO.”
Jane Hastry and Gill Cosford
Keeping abreast of new clinical developments,
and passing on our expertise, are important
aspects of our service. The Hospice Education
Department was established in 1992.
A grant from the Big-Lottery Fund a few years
ago enabled us to create a purpose-built, fully
fitted conference room. We have also now
created a new ‘e-learning suite’, which provides
the opportunity for staff to undertake individual
learning and training at their own pace.
As well as providing training for Hospice staff,
the Education Department also provides a
variety of courses for a wide range of Health
Care Professionals; including Doctors, District
Nurses, Hospital Nurses, Social Workers,
Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists,
Nursing/Care Home Staff and Hospice
volunteers.
Dr Anna Moss is a Foundation Year 2 doctor
who has attended an ‘Ethics Day’ and an
‘Enhanced Communications Session’ at the
Hospice.
She says, “Specialist Palliative
Care’ (a term generally used for
Hospice Care) and ‘End of Life
Care’ are areas of medicine in
which the Hospice specialises.
We are fortunate to have the
facilities and specially trained staff
who can share our knowledge
and expertise with other health
professionals.”
She says, “The Hospice courses are excellent. They provide an opportunity to mix with
other health professionals and to share expertise and other viewpoints. It is also a perfect
environment for developing skills in handling difficult scenarios”.