The Seaton Hospice at Home service, funded entirely by Seaton & District Hospital League of Friends, marked this key 1st birthday recently.

Seaton Tramway kindly provided a Seaton Hospice at Home birthday tram where the nursing team, trustees, a range of the League’s volunteers and wider supporters all joined together to help celebrate this landmark.

This was a great opportunity to show support and appreciation for the specialist nurses and for what they do for our community.  It was also a lovely occasion where people across the League were able to meet and share what they do to support this service.

Due to some unpredictable weather, the planned open-topped double decker tram was changed at the last minute for an enclosed saloon, to keep the passengers dry!

Nurse Laura did however get a bit damp as she had the opportunity to help change the connector pole and drive the tram part way back to Seaton.  Travellers were not too concerned however, as there was half a tram of nurses and a doctor present!

Although many kingfishers were visible at the celebrations, as both The League and Hospice at Home have new kingfisher logos, sadly no real ones were spotted through the drizzle!

Back in the shelter of Seaton Tramway station, attendees listened to a speech given by the charity’s CEO, Kirstine House.  There were also handbaked cakes and refreshments to enjoy whilst listening to the music from local group Wekulele.

Jo Barkley, Seaton Hospice at Home Nursing team Manager said,  “I feel very privileged to manage this innovative specialist palliative care service for local people.  Palliative and end of life care is something that I feel passionate about.  Every person deserves the best quality care at all times but especially when they are at their most vulnerable, are facing a life-limiting illness or approaching end of life.  We provide expert 24 hour support for those patients with a palliative care diagnosis to enable patients to have the best possible quality of life.”

Jo continues, ” Since the launch of the service on 3rd April 2023, we have supported well over 100 patients and their loved ones, to enable them to die peacefully in their preferred place of care, usually at home.  I would like to thank the League of Friends for funding this specialist service and the local community for their on-going support, without which we could not provide this service”

The League’s Chair, Dr Mark Welland said, ” This event let the nursing team know how truly valued they are.  They all seemed to be having a terrific time which was great to see.  I’m forever indebted to them for the way in which their round the clock care compliments my role as a GP.  This service greatly enhances and extends the palliative care support patients in our community can receive at home”

Seaton & District League of Friends would like to thank Seaton Tramway, Tesco Seaton, The Original Factory Shop Seaton, Aldi Seaton and the Wekulele group for their contributions towards this event.

3rd April 2024

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