A message from our Chairman

As we recover from the festive season and the recent inclement weather, our memories turn from family and friends and the Christmas period to the year ahead.

During 2017 we took the opportunity to reflect on and review what we do, how we do it, and to identify areas where we could further develop and improve the nursing and care services we offer to our patients and their families. Our review identified the need to form a new operational management structure to manage the future development of the
Charity. This structure is now in place and overseen by an Executive Committee made up of a small number of Trustees who have delegated authority to help support the operational team to deliver the primary aims of the Charity in providing high-quality care when requested and needed.

The office base at the Ellen Badger Hospital has helped develop invaluable closer links with the Community District Nursing team and this ultimately helps us to deliver better nursing and care services to our patients. Our review of the services we offer has led to us committing to more night sits for patients, this service has been well received by our patients and families and differentiates us from other similar service providers. Also, to broaden our referral base we are continuing with a pilot scheme involving the Shipston Medical Centre so that we meet potential patients earlier in the lifecycle of their illness to assess their needs and wishes and proactively plan their future care.

Fundraising activity and revenues continue to be relatively robust with strong local support from our communities topped up by a contribution from the NHS. The challenge going forward is to match the cost of our operational activities with the income we receive on a sustainable long-term basis whilst retaining the high-quality service we offer. The latter aspect will be tested by a Care Quality Commission visit which will concentrate on quality standards and governance including the leadership of the Charity and the service it delivers.

The Charity celebrated 20 years of existence at The Roaring Twenties Ball in September at Admington Hall, providing a poignant reminder of the Charity’s purpose. We continue to be very humbled by the unfailing loyal support we received. This event meant once again we had the bonus of a huge turnout, major publicity and a significant fillip for our funds. On the evening of the Ball, Andrew Knight, a former Chairman of Trustees, reminded us all of our roots and remembered founder Trustees, many of whom were present on the night.

Finally, to all our patients, family carers, staff and loyal volunteers, I hope the festive season was a peaceful one spent with family and friends, and that the New Year fulfils your expectations.
As a Charity we will endeavour to continue to provide the high-quality Palliative and End of Life Care that our local community deserves.

Dr Clive Irwin
Chairman