News

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, we are all having to make adjustments in our lives – and this is true for the day-to-day operation of St John’s Hospice, too.‍ Read about the steps we are taking to ensure the safety and comfort of our patients and staff.

From 27th April to 10th May, we will be holding our annual 'Make a Will Fortnight'. During this time we will be offering people the chance to make a simple will – thanks to our team of incredibly generous solicitors – over the phone, for free.

This is our current status at the time of writing, 27th March 2020. We ask you to bear with us as guidance may change as the situation evolves.

At St John’s Hospice, it’s extremely important to us that we help ensure patients in palliative care are able to carry out the tasks and activities that matter most to them – and occupational therapy plays a key role in this process.‍ We caught up with Gina Pavlo, our Specialist Occupational Therapist, to learn more.

When people aren’t feeling well, their appetite often falls by the wayside. However, it’s no secret that to support healthy body functions, it’s vitally important to maintain a balanced, healthy diet and to keep drinking water.‍ Sue Hutton, our Day Care Unit Manager, explains how we ensure our patients are optimally nourished and hydrated while they are in our care.

In recent years awareness surrounding mental health issues and their impact on overall health has increased. Our services in particular have seen a marked increase in the number of patients with both diagnosed and undiagnosed mental illnesses.

For housebound patients, the hospice ambulance service provides a vital link to the outside world – allowing them the dignity to carry out day to day activities most of us take for granted. We need your support to buy a new ambulance to ensure we continue providing this vital service to patients who need it.

Loss is tough for anyone but it can be especially hard for children who often find it difficult to accept or even understand that a parent or loved one has died. As part of Children’s Mental Health Week we spoke to Robert Moroney, Bereavement Services Co-ordinator at St John’s Hospice, about helping children cope with grief.

In 2020 we’re looking for individuals to represent the Hospice in some of the best-known races on foot and bike, on treks around the world and we’ll even be asking a few daredevils to jump out of aeroplanes for us! Check out the events you can take part in throughout this year.