Fight for more hospice beds
After losing a good friend to cancer, an Unthank Road resident has set up a petition. Christine Hyde’s calling for more funding to make full use of beds at Priscilla Bacon Lodge.
Christine Hyde’s friend Helen received cancer treatment at Priscilla Bacon Lodge on Unthank Road. It allowed her to spend the last 3 weeks of her life with her family, rather than in a hospital bed. Christine claims 4 beds are currently empty at the specialist hospice.
In memory of her friend, Christine is collecting signatures for a petition she plans to hand over to the primary care trust, NHS Norfolk. She believes something needs to be done to maximise the use of the beds.
The Audit Commission identified end of life care as an area that needs improvement in Norfolk. It found:
“Currently most older people in Norfolk say that when the time comes, they want to die at home. However, as with other areas of the country, most still end up dying in hospital. There has been some improvement in end of life care available but much more needs to be done to make sure people get the choice that is best for them.”
Nearly a half a million pounds is spent each year by the primary care trust for services at the hospice. NHS Norfolk’s Director of Strategy and Innovation, Ian Ayres, said: “NHS Norfolk currently has no plans to change funding for Priscilla Bacon Lodge.”
Norfolk Link, a patient watchdog has also raised the issue of funding for palliative care with NHS Norfolk. According to its chairman, Patrick Thompson, a pot of funding was earmarked for spending on palliative care, when the trusts merged 2 years ago. He said: “We’ve heard snippets about the savings but I want to know exactly how much was saved… and where it’s been spent. It’s currently a postcode lottery.”
A recent report by NHS Norfolk to the County Council’s Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel, suggests work is being done to improve palliative and end of life care, such as changing the hospital discharge process and providing specialist palliative care around the clock. But Patrick Thompson adds: “I want to see the whole package, to see exactly how it’s being adminstered, and what’s going to happen. We’re still keeping an eye on how the money will be spent.”
Christine Hyde’s petition is available at Christchurch and St Andrew’s Church in Eaton, or you can email your support northnorfolkcottage@yahoo.co.uk
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